Jemal Johnson described his first goal for Darlington as "special" after his double salvo helped Quakers back into play-off contention.

The first goal of his pair in Saturday's win over Lincoln City was a stunning, powerful strike from an acute angle to open his account for Darlington in his fourth game after joining on loan from Blackburn Rovers.

The second goal was impressive too, rolling the ball past the keeper after using his mesmerising pace to get beyond Lincoln's right-back following Guy Bates' pass down the left wing.

Johnson, 21, who was born in New Jersey, USA before moving to Macclesfield when he was five, has scored regularly for Rovers' reserves but admitted his first for Quakers was vital.

He said: "I have scored a few good goals for Blackburn this season, in the reserves, but as I had not scored for Darlington that makes this one an important because it gets me off the mark - it was a special goal for me.

"I am definitely pleased to score, especially for everyone who has been supporting me, my family and friends.

"The second was a well-worked goal.

"We did a one-two near the halfway line, I got behind their player, got away from him and then tucked it into the goal."

Johnson could even have had a hat-trick and said: "I cut inside on to my right foot but the ball hit a bobble so the shot went over."

Saturday's win means that if Darlington win at Rochdale tomorrow they will be just one point outside the play-offs, despite losing five of their last seven games.

Johnson said: "We have always had the belief because we know we are a good side, it's just a case of putting it all together on a Saturday.

"A result like this is really good for confidence.

"It means we all look forward to Rochdale and hopefully get another three points to keep us in contention for the play-offs."

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