Darlington striker Barry Conlon has labelled rivals Hartlepool as deserving champions this season - but warned the runaway leaders to expect a derby backlash on Saturday.

The big Irishman is still struggling to come to terms with September's 4-1 drubbing at Victoria Park but warned table-topping Pool - who are 14 points clear of second-placed Rushden - to expect anything but an easy ride this time around.

Pool visit Feethams for the final time and Mike Newell's side are on the verge of gaining promotion for only the third time in their history.

Conlon believes Pool - 34 points in front of their rivals - are well worthy of their place at the top of the Third Division.

"They're a good footballing side and probably the best we've faced this season," said Conlon.

"They made it very tough for us before and we'll be expecting no different from them this time around.

"With it being a derby it's one of those games you can't even contemplate losing especially after the way things went the last time.

"Everybody was absolutely devastated after the game and understandably so. We know that we have a point to prove and all the lads are well up for the game."

Top scorer Conlon, who missed Sunday's draw at Wrexham through suspension, believes a derby win would bring cheer to an otherwise disappointing season.

"We haven't had the best of seasons so it would be nice to get a good result especially for the fans," said Conlon.

"It's a huge game for the fans and hopefully we'll give them something to shout about. There's so much pride at stake and the fact that it's the last derby at Feethams makes it all the more special.

"All we can do is go out there, do our best and hopefully come away with the right result."

Saturday's game is the first of three difficult games coming up for Quakers, with the visit of fifth-placed York to follow and a trip to Bournemouth, who currently occupy the third automatic spot.

Without a win in six and just seven points above the relegation zone, the need for points has never been greater for Mick Tait's side.

"It is all well and good getting points here and there but we really need to start picking up a few more wins," said Conlon.

"We're not losing many, but saying that we're not winning many either and that's why we are where we are in the league."

Pool reserves go to Mansfield today, their second game of the week after a specially-arranged friendly with Newcastle on Tuesday. Pool are likely to discover today the extent of the injury suffered by striker Gordon Watson in last week's second string outing. He went off injured at Scarborough after suffering an ankle injury and the results of a scan are likely to be available today.

Darlington's reserves are in action against Grimsby at Feethams tonight. Kick off is at 7pm.

* Former Darlington boss Gary Bennett was yesterday sacked - along with boss Neil McNab - as Exeter's managerial team.

They have been replaced by ex-Preston chief Gary Peters. Bennett and McNab won just three times in 20 games after replacing John Cornforth in October and are bottom of the league

Read more about the Quakers here.