IF ever a turning point did exist in football Darlington boss David Hodgson would pinpoint the defeat at Southend as a defining moment in a season which has been as uncertain as the 121-year-old club's future.

On Bank Holiday Monday, Hodgson and his side returned home dejected and quite possibly at their lowest ebb with more questions raised than answers.

What a difference a few days make.

For the visit of promotion-chasing Oxford on Saturday there was to be no repeat of Quakers' calamitous second half collapse at Southend five days earlier when Hodgson was left seething after seeing his side surrender a two-goal lead, before losing 3-2 at Roots Hall.

This time Quakers rolled up their sleeves and went about their task with determination, perhaps with lessons learnt from their less than convincing exerts earlier in the week and a public lambasting from Hodgson to boot.

Defending a one-goal lead into the second half on Saturday, Quakers looked as comfortable then as they did at Southend when they were two goals to the good.

The only worrying concern for Hodgson was in witnessing another sluggish start after the interval from his side.

"We had our little bellow on down at Southend and we didn't want the same scenario to start again," said Hodgson.

"The stupid thing was for the first ten minutes of the second half they had us on the back foot and I must admit it was quite alarming at times."

After beginning the game with three at the back, Hodgson reverted to a 4-4-2 system after the interval.

"We got to grips with it after half-time when we changed the formation around," said Hodgson.

"When we got the second goal there was no way they were going to get three like Southend did on Bank Holiday Monday.

"The only opportunities they had were through our silly errors.

"The lads are all delighted in the changing room and so they should be because that was a big win."

And a victory which takes Quakers six points clear of the relegation zone with six games to go with both Carlisle and York succumbing to defeats at the weekend.

However, Hodgson has warned safety is by no means assured just yet, ahead of their trip to Lincoln in five days' time

"As daft as it seems it could all change down at Lincoln," said Hodgson.

"We've got to get something out of that game. If we beat them we will be safe."

And the Quakers boss had more reassuring words about the club's off the field situation, despite another low crowd

"This football club will be safe off the pitch," vowed Hodgson.

"What has annoyed me is there are fans who are sitting at home while this club is on its back end. Shame on them."

The 4,212 who were at the Arena on Saturday were relieved after just four minutes when Quakers failed to clear an Oxford attack. After a brief melee in the box Clark Keltie - deputising for rested skipper Neil Maddison - managed to hack away Dean Whitehead's low shot from ten yards out.

With a quarter-of-an-hour played Quakers keeper Michael Price got down well to collect Us skipper Andy Crosby's low effort.

At the other end Irish midfielder Brian Close brought a comfortable save out of Andy Woodman from 25 yards out.

But the Us keeper looked less than convincing moments later when he collected Craig Liddle's snap shot at the second time of asking.

And, with 26 minutes on the clock, Woodman was picking the ball out of the net after a flowing Quakers move from their own area.

Catching the Us on the break, Neil Wainwright eventually released Mark Convery down the right after a strong run. After twisting and turning his way past Daniel Brown, Convery switched play to the left to Ryan Valentine, who turned one way and then the other before curling the ball past Woodman for his second goal of the season and his second in the space of a week.

With half-time approaching the visitors were fortunate not to be reduced to ten men when Barry Conlon was tripped by last man Paul McCarthy after running on to Convery's ball over the top. But, to the amazement of the home crowd, referee Keith Hill waved play on.

Minutes after the restart Price looked less than convincing when substitute Lee Steele's speculative effort squirmed under the keeper's body before bobbling inches past the upright.

But Price soon redeemed himself in the 51st minute, holding on to Whitehead's low drive as the visitors continued to search for an equaliser.

And only the anticipation of Craig Liddle - returning to the side after a two-match absence - prevented Steele from getting a clear sight on goal in the 57th minute when he timed his challenge to perfection in the box.

As news filtered through that Carlisle and York were both losing, a much-needed two-goal cushion almost came courtesy of top scorer Conlon.

The Irishman showed his strength in holding off Crosby, before turning and firing straight at Woodman.

And the former York striker got his reward minutes later.

Liddle's hopeful ball into the box had Woodman flapping and Conlon was on hand to steer the ball into an empty net, to choruses of "The Darlo's staying up".

After months of uncertainty, Quakers fans had every reason to enjoy their football in a carnival atmosphere, with every pass being greeted with a cheer.

Paul McCarthy and Richard Walker both came close to pulling a goal back late on for the visitors, but with a two-goal advantage Quakers held on for priceless win.

Result: Darlington 2 Oxford United 0.

Read more about the Quakers here.