Darlington skipper Craig Liddle believes the coming weeks are going to be crucial in deciding the outcome of Quakers' season.

Having eased their relegation fears with just one League defeat in 12, Mick Tait's side are now just seven points short of a play-off spot.

Liddle, who will lead his side out at fifth-placed Torquay tomorrow, reckons the fate of their season could rest on how results go in the next few games.

As well as tomorrow's 750-mile round trip to Devon, Quakers face several promotion candidates in the next few weeks, including visits from Rushden and Cambridge and a difficult trip to Lincoln.

"This month is going to decide which way the season is going to go," said Liddle.

"We've got all the top sides coming up so if we can pick up a few wins out of that then we might be able to close the gap a little bit."

However, Liddle remains realistic and believes the top priority for the time being is to concentrate on pulling themselves away from the bottom half of the table.

"First and foremost we want to get a few more wins under our belt so we're not looking over our shoulder," said Liddle.

"If we do that then maybe we can start looking towards the top. It's important that we start turning all these draws into wins."

Victory at high-flying Torquay would no doubt provide the perfect springboard for Quakers but The Gulls boast just one home defeat all season.

"Torquay have one of the best home records in the League so we know it's going to be a tough game," said Liddle.

"When we played them at home a couple of weeks ago we were the better side in the first half, although we tired later on and they got a point which they deserved.

"If we're going to progress up the table then obviously we need to pick up three points on Saturday. We're certainly not going there looking for a draw but as long as we don't lose that's the main thing."

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