Darlington boss Mick Tait has promised fans they have plenty to look forward to next season but warned progress will only be made providing his players can acquire a winning instinct.

Quakers go to Bristol Rovers today - their final away trip of the season - and Tait believes the outcome of their next campaign rests largely on their ability to exploit other teams.

It is a factor which concerns Tait, who has seen his side's progress halted by a staggering 17 draws this season.

And the caretaker boss has called on his players to show more consistency, starting with today's Third Division clash at the Memorial Ground.

Quakers bounced back from last week's defeat at Macclesfield with a Bank Holiday Monday win over Hull and Tait has called on his players to continue in the same form this afternoon.

"I thought we played very well against Hull, especially after the Macclesfield game," said Tait.

"We changed things around on Monday and we were a little bit more direct, which worked very well.

"There was a much better atmosphere and it seemed to lift the players.

"Our performances have been all right but we haven't been able to build on some of our wins.

"We could have been a lot higher in the table but we haven't capitalised on our good runs.

"If we'd have won more of those games we'd deserved to win then we would have been right up there."

Tait believes the League table may well have made better reading had his side avoided an uncanny knack of drawing games.

"We've had 17 draws but maybe a dozen of them could have been wins because we've been the better team," said Tait

"It's a case of what might have been and we have to accept that.

"If we learn from that, improve in certain areas, then we should do pretty well next season."

Tait is desperate not to let the season fizzle out and is keen to see his side end on a positive note.

"We want to go there and win and get some more points on the board," said Tait.

"We want to finish the season strongly and finish as high as possible. We can do that by winning our last two games."

Tait hopes to hand a recall to goalkeeper Andy Collett after he was left on the bench against Hull with a shoulder injury.

However, if he fails to recover in time, Tait will have no worries with second-choice shot-stopper Chris Porter, who kept a clean sheet against the Tigers.

"Andy will play if he's fit but if he isn't then I will have no problem with playing Chris," said Tait.

"He did very well against Hull and proved to be a more than able replacement."

Winger Richard Hodgson remains sidelined with a groin injury and looks unlikely to figure again this season.

"Richard hasn't been able to train for a few weeks," said Tait.

"Even if he said he wasn't injured anymore there would be no point in rushing him back for the last game. He's almost fit but we're not going to risk him because we want him in good shape for next season. We have enough players to see out the last two games."

Rovers are without Latvian skipper Vitalijs Astafjevs (knee), while Danny Boxall remains doubtful with flu.

Ray Graydon's side are five points clear of the relegation zone and victory today will ensure League safety. "I'm pretty sure they are safe with the points they've got but they'll still be looking to win the game at home," said Tait. "It's not going to be easy but if we can show the same kind of commitment as we did against Hull then we should be OK."

* Shaun Goater is unlikely to figure in the Manchester City side to face West Ham tomorrow but the popular Bermudan has been confirmed as the Blues' skipper for their final game at Maine Road.

The 33-year-old has decided to call time on his City career at the end of the season after failing to win a regular place in the squad following the arrival of Robbie Fowler in January.

''I have told Shaun that he will definitely captain the side on the last day, whatever happens,'' said City boss Kevin Keegan.

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