Darlington manager Gary Bennett yesterday told his players to follow Craig Liddle's shining example.

Quakers head for Lincoln today looking for only their second away league win of the season and three vital points in their fight against relegation.

They are currently nine points above bottom club Carlisle, who they meet at Brunton Park on March 3.

And with all of the other current bottom eight teams to encounter, Bennett is looking for more players to follow the example of Liddle, who has been Quakers' player of the season by a distance - and lift the club away from immediate danger.

"Craig is an example of what we want at this club," said Bennett. "We know what to expect from Craig - a consistently good performance in every game.

"In fact, he should be playing at a different level.

"He's a very strong character on the field, and rolls his sleeves up for every game, no matter who it is against.

"For some lads, to get the best out of them everything has to be right, and one chink in the chain means that it can go wrong. But you can't say that about Craig.

"More players need to adopt his qualities. Maybe it's society nowadays, but some people expect things to be laid out on a plate for them.

"Some find it difficult when the crowd gives them stick, and I have to point out to them that if they're like this in front of 4,000 people, what will they be like if they're going to play in front of 30,000?

"Once players cross that white line, then it's out of my control. It's down to them after that - and I don't have any doubts at all about Craig."

And Bennett expects his players to battle at Sincil Bank, where Quakers have lost on their last three visits.

"We have a battle ahead - not just now, but for the rest of the season," he said.

"It's our fault that we're in this trouble near the bottom of the table. We've talked about what's gone on this season, but now we have to get on with it.

"One or two players in the squad are going to get wake-up calls, because they've been in the comfort zone for too long.

"All the players must be prepared to work hard for our remaining games."

Bennett, meanwhile, wants to meet the fans on a regular basis, after a successful evening at Newton Aycliffe last Tuesday.

"I think it's a good way of stabilising the club," he said.

"Everybody needs to get together and talk about what's going on. The club can get its side over, and the fans can have their say as well.

"The only way to go forward is by talking - we're all in it together."

lQuakers are hoping to complete the signing of a young midfielder from a Premiership club on Monday.

Football director Luke Raine refused to disclose the name of the player, but he is understood to be a 19-year-old, who has been playing regularly for his club's reserve side. The deal is subject to a medical, but once completed, the player will sign a two- year contract.

lQuakers have brought forward the kick off time of their clash with Scunthorpe on Saturday, March 24 to 1pm, to avoid a clash with the England v Finland game later the same day. The game at Brighton on Easter Monday, April 16, will also kick off at 1pm.

lDarlington's Youth Alliance game with Halifax this morning has been switched to Feethams, kick off 11am.