DAVID HODGSON has so far refused to concede defeat in the battle to secure a play-off place, but he admits Darlington will be playing League Two football next season if they fail to beat Lincoln City tomorrow.

While many fans have long written off any hopes of a top seven finish, Hodgson has remained positive, despite Quakers' recent alarming run of form, which has seen them win just once in their last eight games.

Amazingly, Quakers could yet be within four points of a play-off place if they beat eighth-placed Lincoln at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena.

Even by his own optimistic standards, Hodgson will be ready to admit Darlington's season is all but over if they fail to win.

"It's now down to the players and whether or not they are ready for the challenge," said Hodgson.

"We still have a chance of making the play-offs and if we beat Lincoln we will be right back in contention.

"If they beat us then I think that would end any hopes we have."

Lincoln have a game in hand over Quakers after they were beaten by Michael Bridges' only goal of the game at leaders Carlisle on Tuesday.

However, Keith Alexander's side put five past second-placed Grimsby last weekend and Hodgson believes the Imps will provide a good test of what is left of Quakers' promotion credentials.

"If we are going to make a go of it then we need to be beating sides up there like Lincoln," said Hodgson.

"The players know what they're capable of and there isn't a better time for them to prove themselves."

Lincoln dropped out of the play-off places after the defeat at Carlisle.

"We now have to go for a win at Darlington to get ourselves back in the play-offs," said Alexander.

* Shrewsbury manager Gary Peters has appointed Leroy Rosenior as first-team coach.

Rosenior replaces Mick Wadsworth, who quit Shrews at the beginning of the week, and the 41-year-old was manager at Torquay until January and enjoyed two spells as coach at Bristol City.

Read more about the Quakers here.