Determined Darlington skipper Craig Liddle has sent a defiant message to his battle-weary team on the eve of their crucial clash with fellow strugglers Exeter City insisting: "We must come away undefeated."

Fresh from success at the weekend against Scunthorpe, Liddle reckons tonight's match is yet another relegation clash that Quakers cannot afford to lose.

Liddle said: "We came away from the game against Scunthorpe on Saturday thinking that we've got some breathing space. We had seven points at the end of our game, but when Halifax won, it was back to four.

"Every game seems to be a massive game for us these days, so we must make sure we come away undefeated."

However, Quakers may well face a tough battle against in-form Exeter, who have won their last five home games, aided by the input of former Spurs skipper Steve Perryman, who was recently appointed assistant to Noel Blake at St James' Park after a successful stint managing in Japan.

Exeter are below Darlington only on goal difference and Liddle believes a performance like the one against Scunthorpe is essential.

"We worked and battled hard against Scunthorpe, so we must keep that going," he said. "John Williams took both his goals really well, and Alex Jeannin fitted in really well.

"There's a real spirit among the lads now, both on and off the field. We've realised that it's very important to have a good spirit, and to work really hard for each other. We must keep it going."

Quakers are four points off the bottom of the table, a position now occupied by Torquay United.

A third away victory of the season tonight would be another big step towards safety, but a defeat would leave them hoping for a Hartlepool win over Lincoln, and anything but a draw between Carlisle and Halifax.

Manager Gary Bennett is hoping for another improvement to stretch the Quakers' run to one defeat in eight matches.

"We must keep battling away," he said. "We'll be happy with a point, but having said that, the quicker we win games and get away from trouble, the better.

"The players responded well on Saturday. They won plenty of ball in midfield, but now we're saying to them that they have to be a little calmer on the ball, and take more care with their passing."

Striker Adam Marsh is missing because of a hamstring injury, while midfielder Mark Ford and Clint Marcelle both suffered slight knocks, but are expected to be fit

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