Darlington winger Ian Clark last night leapt to the defence of goalkeeper Michael Price by insisting survival wouldn't have been achieved without his heroics this season.

The stopper came under scrutiny when he struggled to deal with a near post shot which led to Lincoln's equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Sincil Bank on Saturday.

However, Clark believes fans must not forget the occasions when Price has come to his side's rescue with match-winning saves this season.

"Pricey has been a different class this season," said Clark.

"A few people were pointing the finger at him after the Lincoln game which was not fair on him at all, especially when you look at the amount of times he's saved us in games.

"The lads feel less pressure when he's around because he comes and gets things."

Price was brought to the club in the summer, initially as cover for first-choice goalkeeper Andy Collett.

However, the Newcastle-born shot-stopper has gone on to make 34 starts for Quakers this season in the absence of Collett, who was forced to retire from the game with a shoulder injury in March.

"Pricey deserves nothing but praise because he's come in and taken his chance, which is what it's all about," said Clark.

And Clark was also quick to single out defensive trio Craig Liddle, Matt Clarke and Joey Hutchinson for the part they have played in the club's survival.

"The lads at the back have been outstanding," said Clark. "Goals might win games but I think our defenders have played a massive part in some of our wins this season."

Liddle will defy doctors orders to play his 300th game for the club against Swansea tomorrow.

The influential defender has been advised to rest for 6-8 weeks after picking up a stomach injury in the 1-0 defeat at Boston at the start of the month.

The 32-year-old has also played with a knee problem, which will be operated on next week.

Skipper Neil Maddison is winning his battle to be fit in time to face the struggling Swans, who have suffered five straight defeats under new boss Kenny Jackett.

* Darlington are having a sale in the club shop with replica shirts available for just £5. Quakers will be reverting to black and white hooped shirts next season so are clearing out their stock of home and away shirts.

* Hereford hold the advantage going into the second leg of their Nationwide Conference play-off semi-final with Aldershot after a 1-1 draw at the Recreation Ground.

The Bulls made a bright start and Jamie Pitman tested Nikki Bull early on with a fierce drive but the Aldershot keeper made a comfortable save.

And in the sixth minute Hereford went ahead when Pitman's quick free-kick cut open Aldershot and Daniel Carey-Bertram brought a fantastic save out of Bull but David Brown was on hand to drill the loose ball home.

Bull pulled off another fine save from Rob Purdey's rasping volley and just before the half-time whistle the Shots hauled themselves level.

Tony James was penalised for pushing Aldershot skipper Ray Warburton and Roscoe D'Sane coolly struck home from the spot.

Simon Clist struck deep in stoppage time to give Barnet a 2-1 win over Shrewsbury at Underhill in the other semi-final.

The hosts went ahead in the 11th minute when Liam Hatch burst clear and was brought down in the box by Town goalkeeper Scott Howie. Ben Strevens stepped up to convert the resulting penalty.

Two minutes before the break it was all square.

Joe Gamble handled Sam Aiston's shot in the penalty area and Luke Rodgers slammed home from the spot.

Three minutes into stoppage time Clist got on the end of Ismail Yakubu's cross to head home.