DARLINGTON took a big step towards Division Three survival with last Saturday's 2-0 home win over Oxford United, but they cannot afford to relax just yet.

The victory, coupled with defeats for bottom two Carlisle and York, gave them a six-point cushion over the relegation places.

The Minstermen lost again on Tuesday, but Quakers could do with at least a point from tomorrow's difficult assignment at Lincoln City to ease the pressure still further. The Imps, who have lost only twice at their Sincil Bank home this season, are fifth and gunning for an automatic promotion spot.

But confidence should be high in the Quakers camp after they put another dent in Oxford's hopes of a promotion play-off place at the Reynolds Arena.

They went ahead after 26 minutes with Ryan Valentine's second goal in successive matches. The defender finished well after a good break by Neil Wainwright and Mark Convery.

Defensive ineptitude from the visitors allowed Barry Conlon to put his side further ahead after 72 minutes, the big striker scoring easily after Oxford keeper Andy Woodman failed to deal with Craig Liddle's long ball.

With the experienced Liddle making a welcome return to the defence, Quakers were better equipped to hang on to their two-goal advantage and avoid a repeat of the capitulation at Southend on Easter Monday.