DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson last night heaped praise on his side after seeing them edge closer to league safety with a 2-1 win over Cheltenham Town at the Reynolds Arena last night.

Quakers are now nine points clear of the relegation zone with ten games to go.

Goals from Barry Conlon and David McGurk sealed the points for Hodgson's men, who have an ideal opportunity to pull themselves further out of trouble when they welcome struggling Cambridge in the three days' time.

"That was a very good win against a good side,'' said Hodgson. "They've had a decent run of their own of late so we knew it would be difficult.

"It was a well fought-out battle and I thought we had the better chances and probably could have nicked another goal.

"They got back into it with a goal but we managed to hold on.

"The lads have shown fantastic character and I'm absolutely delighted with the win.''

Despite last night's win, which takes Quakers up to 14th in the table and nine points clear of the relegation zone, Hodgson insists his side are not yet safe. "I think another two or three wins will see us safe but I'm pleased and proud of the lads tonight.

"We've got to go out on Saturday and get right at Cambridge from the off.''

And Hodgson has called on the club's stay-away fans to show their support for the club at the weekend.

"We had under 4,000 fans in tonight which was hugely disappointing,'' said Hodgson.

"We're enjoying a very good run at the moment so I can't understand why fans are preferring so stay at home.

"With the position the club is in financially we need the support more than ever.''

Quakers have set a 6,000 gate as the break-even figure, and Hodgson added: "I hope that they can look at tonight's result and get themselves down on Saturday.''