DARLINGTON defender Joey Hutchinson last night called on his teammates to do all their talking on the pitch.

Quakers are now just one point clear of the relegation zone after Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Boston United.

And with six games to go, Hutchinson has warned there is little time to make excuses.

He said: "We can't keep on saying we'll be OK and we'll get it right next week.

"We only have six games left so we can't really afford to be coming away from teams like Boston without anything.

"The gaffer knows and we know that we've got to do better. We haven't done ourselves any favours today."

Middlesbrough-born Hutchinson, who joined the club from Birmingham on a free transfer last summer, has proved a huge hit since returning to the North-East.

The 22-year-old, linked with a move to Second Division Swindon earlier this season, has formed a firm understanding alongside Craig Liddle and Matt Clarke at the back.

The trio rarely looked threatened at the weekend and only a brief lapse from a corner allowed Steve Melton to bundle the ball home on the stroke of half time after Quakers had dominated.

And while their defensive resilience will provide a good base to work from in the coming weeks, Hutchinson has stressed the importance of performing at the other end.

He said: "Sticking the ball in the net seems to be our problem at the minute.

"We had a shot cleared off the line, Russ (Craig Russell) hit the post and Danny (Graham) had a couple of chances.

"Obviously we have to do our bit at the back by keeping clean sheets, but I don't think Pricey had much to do apart from the goal.

"From our point of view the goal was a bit iffy because their lad had a free header from a corner."

After a brief consultation with his assistant, referee Paul Armstrong allowed Melton's goal to stand after Brian Close appeared to clear off the line.

But Hutchinson admitted: "Closey managed to clear it but I could see that it was over the line. The ref wasn't going to give it but the linesman was in a good position to give the goal. I don't think we could argue with that."

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