Darlington must make home rule count if they are to cling on to any hopes of reaching the play-offs, according to manager David Hodgson, writes LEE HALL.

With four of their next five games at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena, Hodgson knows there is no better opportunity to reduce the eight-point gap which separates them from a top-seven place.

They host struggling Chester tomorrow, and then a bumper gate is expected for the visit of title-chasing Carlisle a week later. After travelling to Barnet, Quakers then welcome Lincoln and Rochdale.

As Quakers prepare for the most crucial period in their season, Hodgson admitted: "It's vital that we make the most of these games coming up.

"We have a great chance of closing that gap and we must begin with three points against Chester.

"I'm confident we'll beat them and I'm sure we can do the same against Carlisle. Not every side at the top is going to win their next two games, which I know we're capable of."

Since beating Mansfield 4-0 in January, Quakers have failed to win their last five, losing the last three.

"The results haven't gone our way, but I have no problem with the way we've performed," said Hodgson. "We gave everything at Orient and came away with nothing, which has summed up a lot of our games this season.

"But, you don't get points purely on performances and it's important that we make it count where it matters most.

"We are creating the chances, and as long as the commitment is there we will win games."

* Torquay have appointed Ian Atkins as a football advisor to team manager John Cornforth.

Gulls chairman Mike Bateson made the move in order to try and preserve his side's Football League status with them struggling at the foot of League Two.

Atkins, a former Northampton and Bristol Rovers boss, will link up with the squad today as they look to address a four-point gap between themselves and safety.