DARLINGTON may be safe from relegation but there is still plenty at stake for the players this season.

Manager David Hodgson would agree that in the current climate, every player on the club's books deserves a new contract.

While no medals are awarded to a side which finishes in the bootom ten, Hodgson and his entire staff deserve some recognition for the way in which they have pulled together against all odds this season.

On Saturday the visit of Swansea was an opportunity for Hodgson to assess his squad, with no fewer than 11 players out of contract in the summer.

But on leaving the Neasham Road Stadium, the Quakers boss was left mystified by the response of his players.

"There are quite a few lads playing for new contracts so you would hope as individuals they would put a massive amount of effort in to stay at this football club," said Hodgson.

"If anyone was pleased with that performance today then they don't deserve to be at this football club.

"There were some individuals who didn't perform and I have told them who they are."

Hodgson was also disappointed that his players couldn't give fans a winning send off in their final home game after their support for the club.

"I wanted to win this game today because we always seem to let the fans down," said Hodgson.

"As long as I can remember it has always happened. It is not acceptable.

"They hadn't won in six games and it was a good opportunity for us to play some good football.

"The fans have supported us and raised the funds to keep this football club alive. We've let them down badly today."

Former Middlesbrough striker Paul Connor should have scored after just two minutes when he sliced wide from two yards.

At the other end skipper for the day Craig Liddle - making his 300th appearance for the club - announced himself with a bang, clattering into Brian Murphy with the Swans keeper needing lengthy treatment.

There was a major let-off for opposite number Michael Price moments later, when he got into a tangle with Liddle after failing to collect a long ball into the box.

And, after struggling to recover from his earlier clash with Liddle, Murphy limped off on eight minutes to be replaced by veteran goalkeeper Roger Freestone.

There was a further blow for the visitors five minutes later when top scorer Lee Trundle was forced off with an arm injury.

And, as Swansea were forced to regroup, Neil Teggart was unlucky not break the deadlock - and his own personal duck - when, after a strong run into the box, his shot was deflected wide.

From the resulting corner Danny Graham sent his header on to the roof of the net.

With half-time approaching and Quakers on top, Teggart should have done better when he ignored Ryan Valentine's overlap on the right, before firing high and wide, much to the despair of his teammate.

There was only five minutes of the second half played when Swansea were given the lead through Connor.

The Bishop Auckland-born forward, a recent £35,000 signing from Rochdale, picked up the ball on the edge of the area, before moving into the box and confidently slotting past Price.

Quakers were fortunate not to fall further behind when Brad Haylett hit the side-netting.

Top scorer Barry Conlon entered the fray on 62 minutes for the ineffectual Teggart, and the 13-goal striker was instrumental in Quakers' equaliser.

Despite the attentions of Swans defender Izzy Iriekpen, Conlon rose highest to flick on for Graham who forced the ball past Freestone.

The 18-year-old was unlucky not to double his tally when Freestone reacted brilliantly to tip over minutes after the restart.

But, with 12 minutes left, the visitors regained the lead through substitute Kevin Nugent. Swans captain Roberto Martinez had Price beaten when his free-kick struck the upright, before bouncing out for Nugent to head home.

After that Swansea never looked like surrendering their advantage against a Quakers side apparently drained from their brave exertions over a troubled season.

Result: Darlington 1 Swansea City 2.

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