DARLINGTON striker Neil Wainwright knows Saturday's victory over Rochdale was long overdue, writes Lee Hall.

After ending a run of seven games without a win, David Hodgson's men are now just one point adrift of safety.

Since Wainwright was on target in a 3-0 win over York in December, Quakers lost five of the following seven games, prior to Saturday, by the same 1-0 scoreline.

However, Wainwright feels the recent run has not done their performances justice.

"We've been saying every week that it's got to come sooner or later," he admitted. "We've been playing well enough to get victories, but at the back of your mind you're wondering is it ever going to come?

"I think we thoroughly deserved the victory. In the last few weeks we have played well without getting the win."

And, after closing the gap on Southend, Wainwright believes the onus is now on the Shrimpers and other teams at the bottom to pick up points.

"There was a bit of added pressure on us because all the other games were called off," said Wainwright.

"Now that we've got that victory it puts a bit of added pressure on other teams at the bottom. This was probably the biggest game of the season so far, but full credit to the lads because we've done what was required.

"Hopefully the result will help us to go and pick a few more points up.

"We've picked up some good points lately but we have to make sure we build on that and hopefully put a run together.

"We don't want to get too carried away but we also know we're capable of putting a decent run together."

And while Quakers aim to build on Saturday's win, Wainwright was quick to thank the fans who have shown their support during such difficult times.

The former Sunderland man admitted last week's record crowd for the charity match had taken everybody at the club aback.

"After last week it was important we paid the fans back," said Wainwright. "All the lads were a bit overwhelmed with everything last week because there was such a great turnout.

"We can't fault the fans because they've been superb."

* Oxford moved within three points of Division Three leaders Hull as they survived the weather to beat Kidderminster.

With seven matches in the division falling victim to heavy rain, including those involving Hull and promotion rivals Mansfield, Oxford proved the day's big winners.

Paul McCarthy scored the 77th-minute winner at the Kassam Stadium after Kidderminster had responded to Steve Basham's early goal with an equaliser from Adam Murray.

Macclesfield claimed a 2-2 draw away at sixth-placed Yeovil. Cheltenham were the big movers, their success over Leyton Orient lifting them four places to 17th. Paul Brayson scored the only goal of the game at Whaddon Road.

Read more about the Quakers here.