WITH caretaker boss Mick Tait preparing to rally his troops for the possiblity of a relegation scrap, Darlington winger Neil Wainwright has warned his teammates they must allay any fears "sooner rather later".

Concerns are growing that Quakers could find themselves embroiled in a fight for League survival after Tuesday's disappointing defeat to fellow strugglers Rochdale.

And with just one victory in their last nine league games, Darlington find themselves just six points above the dreaded drop zone.

"What we must do is start picking up results sooner rather than later," said Wainwright.

"It's up to us to get a few results together and take us away from the bottom as soon as possible.

"We need to get the points so we're not worrying about being down there towards the end of the season."

Following Tommy Taylor's departure from Feethams back in October, Quakers made an encouraging start under Tait, suffering just one defeat in his opening 12 games in the hot-seat.

And despite the poor run, Wainwright is hoping they can put their recent setbacks behind them and return to winning ways.

"We went through a great run when we were playing well but even the best of sides have dips and hopefully this is ours and we can work through it," said the former Sunderland and Wrexham man.

"We need to work hard and get back to playing how we know we can play like the Rushden game. It can all change in one game as we've seen.

"If you can get a result on Saturday we can go into the Wrexham game with plenty of confidence."

Wainwright is battling to be fit for Saturday's trip to Lincoln after limping off against Rochdale with a hamstring injury.

"I'm not too sure about Saturday yet," said Wainwright. "I've been in with the physio and all I can do is give it a couple of days and then see how I feel.

"I felt something after about ten minutes but decided to run it off. I was OK to run but my sprinting was being hampered a bit.

"It's hugely disappointing but hopefully I'll be fit for the Lincoln game."

l The club is offering a reduced rate to fans who wish to purchase season tickets for the remainder of the season.

The offer will entitle the purchaser to a buy one, get one free deal on season tickets at the new stadium.

The offer begins with the derby match against Hartlepool on March 1.

Prices: North Terrace, adults £76, concessions £46; South Terrace, adults £68, concessions £38; East Stand, adults £99, concessions £61.

Read more about the Quakers here.