Darlington assistant manager Mick Tait wants his players to keep their unbeaten run going at home to Shrewsbury tonight - and virtually assure safety.

Quakers go into the game six points clear of bottom club Torquay, and victory against the Shrews could see them climb into 15th place, above their opponents, and possibly as many as nine clear of bottom spot.

Torquay entertain Macclesfield tonight.

But Tait, who has tasted defeat only three times since he arrived in early February, is aware that Quakers were in the same situation last Tuesday against Southend, only to throw away a winning lead as they drew 1-1.

"It will be nice to get a couple of goals instead of trying to hang on to a one-goal lead," he said. "Just one goal is precarious as we saw last week. I would like us to add to the lead, then at least we have some breathing space, instead of trying to hold on.

"We've had a couple of chances lately to ensure safety, and we've got draws instead of wins.

"Plus, we have a difficult weekend coming up against Cardiff and Brighton."

After Quakers' clash at Mansfield was postponed on Saturday, Tait spent an anxious afternoon watching the scores on television.

"The results went in our favour, and if we can beat Shrewsbury and other scores go our way, then we'll be very close to safety.

"The day off did the players no harm at all. They've had a lot of games lately, and a lot more coming up, so a day's rest should have done them some good.

"They're all raring to go. Players are scared to lose their places, because we have competition since we brought the new players in. Steve Harper, for example, didn't want to miss last Tuesday's game because he was feeling ill."

Harper could be missing tonight with the same virus, so that could open the door for Frenchman Olivier Bernard to start the game at left wing back.

Mark Ford could return to the midfield after recovering from an ankle injury.

The visitors are expected to recall striker Nigel Jemson to the forward line on his recovery from a rib injury.

But former Hartlepool and Middlesbrough forward Chris Freestone is out of favour.

Tickets are on sale for Easter Monday's all-ticket trip to Brighton, while Quakers' game at Mansfield has been rearranged for Tuesday, May 1, which means that Quakers have a game in every midweek between now and the end of the season.

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