MARK PROCTOR has warned Darlington they can forget about a trip to the Millennium Stadium in May if they lose at Cambridge United this afternoon.

The Quakers' number two last night insisted anything less than a point at the Abbey Stadium will seriously jeopardise their credentials as play-off contenders.

Seventh-placed Quakers occupy the final play-off place with five games remaining, while Cambridge look certain to be playing Conference football next season, lying nine points adrift of safety.

While the Us fate may be as good as decided today, Proctor believes the game presents Quakers with the perfect opportunity to strengthen their foothold in the top seven.

However, the 44-year-old is also well aware of Quakers' record against lesser teams this season - they have been beaten by seven of the 12 bottom-half sides.

"It's the type of game we've lost in the past but one which we should win comfortably," said Proctor. "If we don't win on Saturday we don't deserve to be in the play-offs.

"We won't be going into the game with any complacency, that's for sure.

"I think it will be an open game because both teams need the three points for very different reasons. Let's hope we show our quality and counter-attack better than they do."

While Cambridge have occupied a place in the relegation zone since October, Proctor believes the Us will be a tougher proposition than their league position suggests.

"We do realise that Cambridge will be fighting for their lives and it is going to be difficult," said Proctor.

"The table never lies and we're seventh because we deserve to be. However, the table does sometimes turn itself upside down and we do realise that it's not going to be easy.

"However, they are bottom of the league for a reason and that is something we need to bear in mind."

Quakers hold a slender one-point advantage above Northampton, who entertain fourth-placed Scunthorpe today, while Swansea (3rd) travel to Lincoln (6th).

"Four out of the top eight are playing each other and that is something we need to act upon," added Proctor.

Quakers broke back into the top seven for the sixth time this season following last week's win over Chester. And this time, Proctor is confident Quakers can sustain their place during the crucial run-in.

"I have every belief in the boys and I'm sure there will be a few more twists and turns in the next four or five weeks. It's an exciting time when you still have something to play for in the final month of the season.''

As erratic as Quakers' form has been this season, they have never been outside the top ten since a 3-0 home defeat to Lincoln in November.

"To be fair I think we've consolidated our position from eighth and upwards," said Proctor.

"Unfortunately I think it will go down to the final day of the season. It's ironic that you play for nine months and you're still waiting until the last Saturday of the season to decide things. I suppose that's the beauty of football."

Alun Armstrong will be fit for next week's trip to Mansfield Town, although the Quakers striker is unexpected to shake off a calf injury in time to figure today, so Craig Russell will partner Clyde Wijnhard in attack.

With Middlesbrough defender Matthew Bates unavailable until Monday, Matty Appleby will continue in the back three. Appleby was expected to move into midfield, replacing hamstring injury victim Jonjo Dickman. However, Bobby Petta could now earn a place in Dickman's absence, with Jason St Juste expected to continue on the left. Neil Maddison's return could be put on hold after the skipper picked up a back problem.

For the Us, Ashley Nicholls and Tom Newey will face their former clubs, while ex-Quakers striker Dan Chillingworth could earn a place on the bench. Justin Walker is fit to continue in midfield after a virus, while Ciaran Toner, on-loan from Lincoln, could get the nod over Shane Tudor on the left.

Cambridge lost 3-0 at Swansea last week and boss Steve Thompson said: "It's going to be another tough game against another tough team desperate to get in the play-offs."