Darlington caretaker boss Mick Tait has stressed the importance of securing their League status sooner rather than later.

With five games remaining, Quakers hold a six-point lead over the bottom two and still have games against other teams fighting for survival points, including Saturday's visitors Shrewsbury.

With 15 points still to play for, Tait remains confident one more victory will assure Third Division football next season.

"We've got to try to get those three points as soon as possible so we don't get dragged into it," said Tait.

"We've thrown far too many games away and that's the difference between teams at the top and teams at the bottom.

"We know what we're capable of achieving, it's just getting that consistency I've been going on about for months."

Tait believes Saturday's clash with Shrewsbury will be no easier than any other game this season.

A stunning Clark Keltie strike helped Quakers to a point the last time the sides met in November, but the young midfielder will be missing this time around as he serves the final game of a two-match ban.

"No matter who you play in this division there are no easy games and Shrewsbury will be no different," said Tait.

"Everybody is so closely matched and most teams are capable of beating each other.

"It will be a crunch match and it won't be easy."

Mark Sheeran was left out of last night's reserve match with Boston at Feethams.

The young striker is still struggling with an ankle injury picked up against Scarborough reserves a fortnight ago.

"We've got a couple of reserves games next week so I'll give him a run out then," said Tait.

Winger Richard Hodgson is still struggling with a groin injury and remains a major doubt this weekend.

"I don't know how serious it is, but he's certainly not 100 per cent," said Tait.

"He pulled up in training on Tuesday so we'll just have to wait and see."

* Mark Convery staked his claim for a first-team recall with the only goal in Darlington reserves' 1-0 home win over Boston last night.

The midfielder converted a second-half penalty, but equally vital in the win was goalkeeper Chris Porter, who saved a spot-kick against a Boston side who included former Quaker Mark Angel.

* Darlington Supporters' Trust are holding their AGM this Saturday, April 12, at 11am in the Arts Centre, Darlington. All trust members are invited to attend.

Read more about the Quakers here.