IN a division littered with inconsistency, David Duke insists there isn't a better time for those in contention for a play-off place to prove their promotion credentials and end the season on a high.

Despite collecting just one point from their two games over the Easter weekend, with three games remaining Darlington are just two points outside the play-off zone.

The race for a top-seven place remains wide open, with several sides still in contention.

Duke believes the final spot will be decided by the club which can string a mini-run together, with nine points still up for grabs.

"There is no question that we can compete with the best in the division," said Duke.

"It's the nature of this league that everybody beats each other. Now whoever is the most consistent will be in the play-offs.

"We haven't had a bad run of late and hopefully we will be the team which fills that seventh place."

"Whatever happens I think there is every chance that the season is going down to the wire, but all we can do is concentrate on finishing as strongly as possible."

After missing five months of the season following a double hernia operation, Duke is happy his return to fitness has coincided with Quakers' crucial run-in.

The 27-year-old has started the last three games and he said: "It has been frustrating, but it's great to be involved at this stage of the season.

"We need as many fit players as possible for the run-in and hopefully for the play-offs."

Meanwhile, manager David Hodgson has dismissed reports in the Irish press linking him with a summer move for former Quakers striker Barry Conlon

"I don't know where that has come from," said Hodgson. "Big Baz is contracted to Barnsley.

"I have not spoken to Barry Conlon at all because I don't know which division our club is going to be in next season."

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