With Third Division football all but assured next season caretaker boss Mick Tait believes avoiding defeat at Southend this weekend should confirm that his rejuvenated Darlington side are safe.

Quakers head to Roots Hall on the back of two straight wins - a run which has almost certainly removed them from the relegation equation.

Mick Tait's side had threatened taking their fight against relegation to the wire having recorded just one win in their previous 12 League outings.

"We've got to go down to Southend on Saturday and not lose the game," said Tait.

"I don't mean go and defend for 90 minutes and let them attack us because that's not what we're about.

"We're better when we're going forward and defending further up the pitch like we did at Scunthorpe.

"We know how to frustrate teams away from home and that's what we'll be looking to do on Saturday.

"If we avoid defeat then that should see us safe."

Tait is likely to stick with the same formation which has proved so effective in recent games with five across midfield.

"Some people might say we're better off playing with wingers, but when you look at our home record this season we haven't done too well playing with a 4-4-2 formation," said Tait.

"No matter how you dress it up it's a bad home record.

"We played five across midfield against Bury and we've won 3-1 so I think I know which is the best.

"I pick a team I believe will do well on the day.

"However we play - fans would like to see us win first and foremost.

"Some might turn up and expect to see pretty football, but it just doesn't work like that at this level.

"Even if we play badly fans are more concerned with the result and if we win regardless of the performance they'll be happy."

Tait will be without midfielder Clark Keltie for Saturday's trip to Roots Hall.

The 19-year-old begins a two-match ban after receiving his 10th booking of the season during the 1-0 defeat at Boston a fortnight ago.

Striker Barry Conlon misses out against his former club as he serves the final game of a two-match ban.

* Rushden & Diamonds boss Brian Talbot has been named as the Division Three manager of the month for March.

Talbot took the honour for the second time this season after managing five wins and two draws as the Diamonds moved to within three points of leaders Hartlepool

Ipswich boss Joe Royle claimed the prize in the First Division after Town claimed four wins and four draws during March, despite being in voluntary administration. They are just two points behind sixth-placed Wolves in the battle for a play-off place as they seek an immediate return to the Premiership.

The Division Two award went to Phil Parkinson in his first full month in charge of Colchester

Read more about the Quakers here.