STEVE WATSON says his Darlington side must keep believing that they can escape the drop when they go to Curzon Ashton tonight.
With two wins from their last three matches, Quakers are heading across to Greater Manchester in a good frame of mind, but mindful that they have yet to record back-to-back wins in the league so far this season. They missed a good opportunity to do just that last week when they lost to Boston after beating South Shields.
They have had seven previous attempts at back-to-back wins, but having achieved their first comeback win of the season against Buxton at the weekend, they are in the mood for two wins out of two.
If they win tonight, they will move above Gloucester into third-bottom spot, and potentially also close on their rivals Banbury, King’s Lynn and Rushall.
“We must keep believing that we can get out of the relegation zone,” said Watson. “While it’s possible, we certainly will.
"We go to Curzon after a really good performance and win last Saturday against Buxton, but Curzon also got a point against a very good side away from home (drawing 0-0 with Tamworth). We might decide to freshen things up tonight, but we might also decide to go with the lads who won the game on Saturday."
Watson was pleased with the way his players dug deep to come back from a goal down as they saw off Buxton.
“When we went two goals down at Boston last week, you really could see heads drop," he said. "So one of the messages before the Buxton game was that even if you are disappointed, it only takes a second to score a goal. Even if you do hit a spell when you go behind, it’s really important to keep your head.”
Defender Cardo Siddik is missing because of a hamstring injury, as is striker Akwasi Asante because of a groin problem. Defender Jake Lawlor could return after recovering from a back injury.
Curzon are on the fringe of the play-offs, but haven’t won in their last three matches. However, they did well to claim a point from leaders Tamworth at the weekend. They are better away from home, as they have collected just 24 of their 54 points at the Tameside Stadium.
Spennymoor Town are also in National League North action this evening as they head to Bishop's Stortford. Moors extended their unbeaten run to three games when they drew with Chester at the weekend.
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