Darlington winger Richard Hodgson is hoping bench duty is a thing of the past after Tuesday's point-saving goal at Exeter.

Hodgson's strike, just minutes after replacing Clint Marcelle, earned his side a vital point in the relegation dogfight.

And now the fans' favourite is desperate for the chance to build on his fifth goal in a Darlington shirt.

"I was happy to go on and score but it was more important that we got the result," said Hodgson.

"Exeter had won their last five matches at home, so it was a good point. The manager gave me a free role and told me to switch wings if I wanted to.

"I'm happy with that, because I'm more of an attacking player. It's the third time I've played in that position and I enjoy it, because it allows me to express myself."

Hodgson has come off the bench more often than he has started games this season, and he said: "It is frustrating sitting on the bench, but I understand. Hopefully, I can get a couple of starts."

The point lifted Quakers to 18th in the table, above Barnet and with games in hand on all the clubs below them, apart from Lincoln.

Morale has been lifted by a run of just one defeat in eight games, and Hodgson said: "Everybody's positive. We haven't lost many games recently.

"Everybody is getting more and more confident. We have two home games coming up and it is important not to lose either of them, but to win both would be great.

"We have to keep going because it will take a high number of points to make sure of safety. It's in our hands now. Some of the other teams have to rely on other results, but we are in control of our own destiny."

Manager Gary Bennett thought Hodgson was outstanding.

"I asked him to go on and inject some pace, and he succeeded,'' he said. "On his day, Richard is a great entertainer, and makes things happen. But I have to be careful with him as well. He's still learning his trade."

Meanwhile, the injury problems are piling up again after David Brightwell and John Williams both went off with groin injuries on Tuesday and Mark Ford picked up an ankle knock.

l Quakers have allocated the Polam Lane End to visiting supporters for the game with Cardiff.