AKPO SODJE insists the experience of missing out on the play-offs last season could stand Darlington in good stead this time.

Before making his move to the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena permanent during the summer, Sodje was on loan from Huddersfield Town last season, when only goal difference denied David Hodgson's men a play-off place.

But the 26-year-old feels they have benefited from coming so close last season and believes there is enough to suggest they can improve on finishing eighth last year.

Only Notts County have inflicted defeat on Quakers in 2006 and, after Saturday's goalless draw at Boston, they are unbeaten in five games and occupy seventh spot in League Two.

That run has seen Quakers concede just once since losing 3-2 at Meadow Lane last month.

"I think a few lessons were learned after last season and now we know what it takes to be up there," said Sodje, Quakers' joint leading scorer with Simon Johnson on six goals.

"We're scoring a lot of goals this season and I'm sure they will prove very important in May. Hopefully this time it doesn't go down to the last game of the season."

Despite his failure to score at Boston, Sodje remains upbeat going into the visit of Bristol Rovers this weekend.

"We got a good point away from home at Boston, which has kept the momentum going," said Sodje.

"Boston were always going to give us a hard, physical game, but we worked hard and the point keeps us up there.

"From a striker's point of view it's always disappointing to come away without scoring, but it was a team performance and we can take plenty into our next game."

While a top seven finish remains Hodgson's priority, Sodje is refusing to rule out the possibility of automatic promotion.

"There's a long way to go, but if we keep racking up the points then we'll have a good shout at the end of the season," said Sodje.

"It's important that we concentrate on staying in the top seven and, who knows, if we can continue our run then we could push on for an automatic place."