UNDER the previous regime it was perhaps quite understandable how Mick Tait handed over the managerial reins with nothing so much as a murmur in November.

Some say the England job is the most demanding in football. Try telling that to Tait.

The former Quakers boss would take a grilling from the national media any day, after working under former chairman George Reynolds.

Five months ago David Hodgson returned to the club on the strict condition that Reynolds would not interfere with his plans.

Indeed, Tait may well still be in a job if he'd imposed similar restrictions.

These may be difficult times off the pitch but Hodgson's job has been made all the more easier following Reynolds' departure.

And perhaps, under different circumstances, Tait could have been taking the plaudits for steering the club to safety.

Saturday's draw at Lincoln means Quakers are six points clear of the relegation zone with two games remaining.

But with Hodgson's men holding a 15-goal advantage over second-bottom Carlisle, Quakers will be playing Third Division football next season.

Hodgson said: "The fact of the matter is Carlisle need to get around 15 goals in their next two games - knowing their luck they probably will!

"The most important thing right now is that this football club is safe. That was the be all and end all.

"I made a big point of telling the players they were responsible for getting the club into this mess, so it was their job to get them out of it.

"All credit to them for doing that."

And Hodgson was quick to recognise the efforts of his predecessor.

"Mick got us four wins on the trot in November and without them we wouldn't be safe now," said Hodgson.

"He's played a part just like I have and for that I'm grateful."

Hodgson was also sympathetic towards Reynolds' plight after seeing his name removed from the stadium on Thursday.

"When George built that stadium every single person in that town was behind him," said Hodgson. "A lot has happened since then but it was still sad to see that name come down. In theory that meant failure for him.

"What we have to do is move on. I'm 100 per cent certain that this football club will survive."

And as long as Quakers' future is secured, Hodgson can look forward to next season with plenty of optimism after seeing his side hold promotion-chasing Lincoln at Sincil Bank.

There was only four seconds played when Imps midfielder Richard Butcher fired over Michael Price's goal.

And just a minute later former Hartlepool striker Marcus Richardson used his strength to hold off Ryan Valentine on the edge of the area before firing tamely at Price.

On seven minutes a neat move saw Neil Wainwright square for Barry Conlon from 25 yards out but the Irishman's curling effort was deflected wide.

Playing in all yellow there was nothing cowardly about Quakers' determined approach against the Third Division promotion hopefuls, who went into the game unbeaten in nine league games.

And only the improvisation of Imps keeper Alan Marriott denied Quakers a goal just after the quarter hour when the stopper saved with his legs from Danny Graham's angled drive after a well-weighted pass from Ian Clark.

With fatigue clearly taking its toll on the players in the Sincil Bank sunshine, both sides looked jaded after a lively start.

But it was the home side who appeared to have the edge in the stuffy conditions and Butcher should have done better when he dragged his shot wide.

And, after Richardson forced a corner on the half hour mark, Price had to be alert when he diverted Butcher's dangerous cross around the post with Richardson lurking at the near post.

But it was a well-crafted move which put Quakers in front on 37 minutes through the lively Wainwright.

After Clark Keltie was upended on the edge of the Lincoln area, the midfielder took charge of the resulting set piece, laying the ball off for Ryan Valentine, who threaded the ball through to Wainwright.

As the Imps defence stood still the former Sunderland man made no mistake from close range, drilling past Marriott.

There were appeals for a penalty shortly after half-time when Francis Green was brought down in the box by Price. The Imps striker evaded a last gasp challenge from Craig Liddle before attempting to take the ball past Price, who may have got a touch on the ball as referee David Crick waved play on.

However, the Surrey official was less than sympathetic with the stopper moments later when Price was barged off the ball and, after Futcher's close range toe poke struck the post, Green was on hand to force the ball over the line to delight of the 6,187 crowd.

As the home fans sensed a winner Conlon was unlucky not to restore Quakers' lead after the restart when he drove wide.

And, after Fletcher conceded a free-kick on the edge of his own box, Marriott reacted superbly to tip away Valentine's sweetly struck drive on 78 minutes.

But it was the home side who looked the more likely to score in the closing stages.

However, like on so many occasions this season, Quakers showed the kind of character which has played such a pivotal role in their quest for survival.

Result: Lincoln City 1 Darlington 1.

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