Darlington fans face a nail-biting climax to the season as their side continues the struggle to avoid relegation to the Nationwide Conference.

Quakers, who are just one point clear of the drop zone following last Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Boston United, have a difficult run-in.

Four of their last six games are against teams in the top half of the Division Three table and they also face a tough trip to Southend United on Easter Monday.

The Shrimpers have put together an impressive run of results to haul themselves clear of danger.

A few weeks ago it looked as though Darlington were doing the same, but they have won only one of their last five games to slip back into trouble.

They badly need to rediscover their best form when they take on Mansfield Town at the Reynolds Arena tomorrow.

The Stags are very much in the hunt for automatic promotion after a 3-1 home win over Oxford United on Tuesday moved them up to fifth place.

Quakers boss David Hodgson went for an attacking line-up at York Street, handing on-loan striker Danny Graham his first start alongside Barry Conlon and Neil Teggart.

Brian Close and Neil Wainwright also came in, with Mark Convery and Ryan Valentine dropping to the bench.

But, despite dominating the first half, Darlington were unable to make the breakthrough and fell behind to a scrappy Steve Melton goal right on half-time.

The second half was a largely disappointing affair, although Graham almost grabbed a late equaliser when he saw an effort cleared off the line.

The outcome left Hodgson with plenty to think about as he considers his options for tomorrow's encounter. He will be hoping that the goal drought his players suffered earlier in the season has not returned as they enter the final furlong.