Darlington will tackle their Easter programme with renewed optimism having virtually secured their Nationwide League status with last Saturday's 5-1 demolition of a poor Shrewsbury Town side.

Quakers picked the perfect time to produce one of their best performances of the season as a win for the Shrews would have dragged Mick Tait's men back into the thick of the relegation battle.

They went ahead after 20 minutes when Jim Corbett set up Ashley Nicholls and Barry Conlon, back in the side after suspension, headed in the second after 33 minutes.

His goal came courtesy of an excellent cross from the left by impressive loan signing Tom Newey, a player Tait would dearly love to sign on a permanent basis when his contract with Leeds United runs out in the summer.

Darlington were cruising when Neil Maddison hammered in his first Feethams goal from the edge of the box as half-time approached.

The visitors' hopes were briefly raised when Ryan Lowe pulled a goal back early in the second half, but they were snuffed out when Gary Pearson's long-range effort found its way past the Shrews keeper after 74 minutes.

Conlon put the icing on the cake with his second goal of the game two minutes from time.

Quakers can now relax, but will be determined to finish the season on a high note, starting with tomorrow's (Saturday) visit to Macclesfield Town.

They then welcome Hull City to Feethams on Easter Monday.