Darlington manager Gary Bennett has appealed for plenty of backing from the fans as Quakers strive for three vital points at home to play-off chasing Southend tonight.

If Quakers win this re-arranged game and improve their run of one defeat in nine games, they will move eight points ahead of bottom club Torquay.

Victory would also take Quakers above Mansfield, Shrewsbury, Exeter and York to the heady heights of 15th in the table - their highest position since Boxing Day.

"This is a massive game for us," said Bennett. "We've done well over the last few weeks, and we're confident that if we can show the same spirit and battling qualities we can get something out of it.

"Everybody knows how important the game is. The fans can play an important part. We have had some good backing from them this season, but we need them more than ever now to get behind the team.

"Plenty of noise can make plenty of difference, just as we've seen several times this season."

Bennett, however, will have to change his side around again because of a lengthy injury list.

Midfielder Mark Ford will be missing because of the ankle injury he aggravated in the opening minutes on Saturday, but Bennett is hopeful that striker John Williams and midfielder Glenn Naylor will pass fitness tests.

Ford's absence could mean that Paul Campbell, who replaced him on Saturday, will start the game, but Bennett has also put Mark Convery, Jean-Michel Cau and Jesper Hjorth on standby.

Of another Frenchman, Abraham Keita, Bennett said: "We don't think he'll be ready for another week."

Quakers will also be keeping an eye on developments at Scunthorpe. where fellow strugglers Lincoln City are in action.

Southend are 11th in the table with a chance of the play-offs, and have a solid away record, losing just six times on their travels. Last Saturday they drew 1-1 at leaders Chesterfield.

Skipper Craig Liddle is wary of the dangers of complacency.

"We must stay on our toes," he said. "We've worked hard to get out of trouble and we must keep it going.

"We believe that another two wins should do it, and as far as we're concerned, the sooner the better."

Leading scorer Glenn Naylor said: "We've picked up a few points lately, and we're more confident than we were two months ago."

* Former Darlington keeper Mark Samways, who was part of the squad which reached Wembley last season, has joined UniBond League Premier Division club Frickley from Matlock.

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