SINCIL Bank provided the backdrop when Darlington finally diminished any lingering relegation fears last season - this afternoon they return with a different agenda altogether.

On a warm April afternoon 12 months ago Quakers, with three games remaining, earned the point which guaranteed league football for another season.

That hard-fought 1-1 draw epitomised a season in which Quakers battled against all odds, both on and off the field.

Before the dust could even settle on any thoughts of consolidation, manager David Hodgson has thrust Quakers back into the limelight this season - this time for all the right reasons.

At Sincil Bank today Hodgson's men can take another important step towards League One football next season.

With two games remaining, Quakers hold a two-point advantage inside the play-off zone, above eighth-placed Northampton.

Quakers will book their place in the play-offs today if they beat Lincoln and Northampton fail to win at Chester City. Lincoln need just a point to guarantee a top-seven finish.

"In these situations you play with adrenaline and the belief that anything shorter than your best on the day is never enough," said Hodgson.

"They have to look at the bigger picture and understand that we're in a fantastic position to upset the teams around us."

Lincoln can still clinch an automatic promotion place and Hodgson insists the pressure will be on Keith Alexander's men this afternoon. The Imps could still miss out on a play-off place if Quakers and Northampton win their remain two games.

"If we beat Lincoln we're on level points with them," said Hodgson. "They might have a superior goal difference but they also have to go and beat Yeovil on the last day."

Quakers have sold over 1,000 of their 1,600 ticket allocation and fans travelling down will be allowed to pay on the gate at Sincil Bank this afternoon. Lincoln are expecting their biggest crowd of the season - in excess of 8,000.

"The fans have been fantastic away from home this season and when I stand on the side of the pitch it feels special when we're doing well," said Hodgson. "I'm confident we can give them the result they deserve on Saturday."

Matt Clarke is available after serving a two-match ban and Hodgson believes the defender's return could not come at a better time.

Hodgson is wary of Lincoln's direct approach and the aerial threat they pose at set plays.

Ben Futcher (6ft 7ins), Paul Morgan (6ft) and Jamie McCombe (6ft 5ins) form Lincoln's back three, but at 6ft 3ins, Hodgson is pinning his faith in Clarke.

The Quakers' boss felt Clarke was sorely missed at Mansfield a fortnight ago, when defender Rhys Day headed an injury-time equaliser.

"We're coming up against a side with some enormous players and they play on that," said Hodgson. "We can't afford to have another scenario like Mansfield where, had Matt been on, he would have picked up the biggest guy, who scored.

"We've missed Matt in some crucial areas and he will be vital to us at Lincoln."

Clarke will partner Matthew Bates in the heart of the Quakers defence with Curtis Fleming and Ryan Valentine competing for the left-back spot.

Striker Alun Armstrong remains doubtful with a hip injury and on-loan Huddersfield striker Akpo Sodje stands by for only his second start.

Craig Hignett has trained after recovering from a hernia operation but will not be considered this afternoon.

Adrian Webster remains favourite to replace hamstring injury victim Stephen Thomas in central midfield.

Lincoln are likely to remain unchanged, despite last week's 1-0 defeat at Northampton. Imps' boss Keith Alexander has a fully fit squad to choose from. Former Quakers striker Martin Carruthers will be on the bench for his 12th league club.

"A win will give us a chance of finishing as high up the table as possible and will also put the pressure on the teams above us," said Alexander.

"It's a similar situation for Darlington in that they need a win to consolidate so it promises to be an interesting match."

* Parking restrictions are in place and fans are advised to arrive as early as possible. Due to a nearby fair no parking will be available on the South Common.

* Chester have appointed former Mansfield boss Keith Curle as their new manager.

The 41-year-old has signed a one-year deal and replaces Ian Rush, who resigned at the start of the month.

Curle, who has been out of work since he was sacked by the Stags in November last year, got the nod ahead of around 40 other candidates, including former Chelsea manager John Hollins.

The manager will be unveiled before City's final home game of the season against Northampton today and will formally take charge from Monday, with just a trip to Oxford remaining before the summer.

Chester, who were promoted as Conference champions last season, are currently 20th in League Two.

* Cambridge have filed for administration due to their spiralling debts. The Us were relegated from the League following last week's goalless draw with Rochdale, and finance director Nick Pomery said: ''The club has liabilities of around £900,000."

Read more about the Quakers here.