Darlington must improve their poor record against struggling teams this season when they attempt to take a firm grip on a promotion play-off position against third from bottom Rushden tomorrow.

Quakers, who recently recorded disappointing results against the two teams below tomorrow's visitors, cannot afford any more slip-ups after an injury-time equaliser denied them three points at Mansfield Town last Saturday.

They were fortunate that the other three teams battling for the vital seventh spot in League Two all failed to win, but victory over the Stags would have made their position much more secure.

As it is, Northampton, Wycombe and Rochdale still have a chance to overtake David Hodgson's side as the season reaches its climax.

Quakers were largely in control at Field Mill after Sam Russell had saved a first-minute penalty from Rhys Day, and they went ahead midway through the second half when Clyde Wijnhard converted a Neil Wainwright cross.

But a lapse in concentration proved costly when Day atoned for his penalty miss by heading in a corner from ex-Quaker Adam Rundle in injury time.

One of the most encouraging aspects of the game for Darlington was an assured debut from central defender Matthew Bates, who is on loan from Middlesbrough until the end of the season. He is in line to make his first home appearance tomorrow