Northwich Victoria 0 Darlington 1

One down, six to go.

A week ago Martin Gray admitted Darlington needed to win each of their remaining seven games if they are to finish ahead of leaders Salford City.

It’s a big ask, but one they are capable of, especially if they can repeat last night’s fine performance at Northwich Victoria.

Darlington won 1-0 thanks to a Graeme Armstrong goal against one of their promotion rivals, putting in their best display in weeks to boost their title hopes.

With a game in hand, they are now three points behind Salford, who on Saturday face third-placed Spennymoor Town.

Moors could still land first position, as could Northwich, but Quakers’ belief has strengthened– win all six matches and they finish first.

It’s tight at the top, though Gray, despite the manner of last night’s victory, was quick to quell post-match celebrations.

“We enjoyed the win for a couple of minutes afterwards, but we move on now. We’ve got another big game on Saturday against Droylsden,” said the manager.

“Everyone had to be at their best, we couldn’t afford to carry any passengers, and from start to finish it was a fantastic team performance.

“From the keeper right through to the forwards the lads stood up tonight, they were accountable.

“We could’ve won two or 3-0, but we’ll settle for a 1-0, we’d have been happy with that before the game.

“Bearing in mind the conditions and the fact they haven’t lost many at home, only two I think, makes it a great achievement.”

The match had passed an afternoon inspection, though the pitch held up well considering the torrential rain.

It had stopped by kick-off and Quakers began on the front foot, playing some good football in the opposition half.

Lessons clearly had been learned from the 1-0 defeat to Northwich earlier in the month when high balls brought little reward against a team with a clear height advantage.

Tom Portas and Leon Scott providing a solid platform in midfield, and it was justified when they took the lead after quarter of an hour.

After Portas and Scott had combined to win the ball, Quakers won a corner which Terry Galbraith delivered and Armstrong tucked home at the far post.

It was his 20th goal of the season, Darlington taking the lead for the first time in four games.

The goal meant both teams have now conceded 31 league goals in 36 matches. Spennymoor have the next best defence with 35 conceded.

It was soon almost 2-0. Left-back Ian Watson got forward, though his low drive was saved by Tim Deasy after Scott won possession outside the penalty area following a cracking cross by the overlapping Adam Mitchell.

Right-back Mitchell was regularly involved as Darlington looked to play the ball wide, getting crosses in.

Another Mitchell delivery looked destined to make it 2-0. Only a fine save by Deasy kept Armstrong’s header out.

There was a fleeting moment of danger for Darlington. Striker Josh Amis was in on goal, but keeper Peter Jameson raced off his line and saved at the striker’s feet.

Northwich right-back Chris Smalley was booked for a late challenge on David Dowson, who had to be subbed at half-time as a consequence.

The second half began amid hailstones, spectators dashing for the nearest shelter, while on the pitch two substitutions and a switch in formation to three up front for Northwich said much for Jim Gannon’s view of his team’s first half performance.

They were the aggressors at the beginning of the half without forcing Jameson into action.

While Darlington had bossed the first half, proceedings after the break were scrappier, the hosts seeing more of goal.

Substitute Gary Burnett’s shot from a tight angle hit Jameson and went out for a corner, while Armstrong’s shot hit the post during a goalmouth scramble.

Galbraith and Watson swapped positions, Galbraith dropping to left-back due to his height.

After a free-kick into Quakers’ area, sub Gary Burnett poked over and as the pitch increasingly cut up and the challenges flew in, an opportunity was wasted by Armstrong.

He should’ve played in sub Nathan Cartman, but the pass was behind his team-mate and there then followed nervy moments in the closing stages.

After numerous players were unable to clear, Stuart Cook’s 18-yard shot was deflected into Jameson’s hands.

And in agonising injury time Northwich’s Burnett was given offside as he burst through, much to the relief of Darlington, whose keeps Salford within their sights.

Salford were represented at the match by their chairman, manager and the camera crew who are recording the club’s fortunes for a BBC documentary.

They did not get the result they were after – a draw would’ve suited them –as Darlington’s win keeps Salford within their sights.

Goals: Armstrong (15, 0-1)

Bookings: Smalley (24, foul); Scott (72, foul), Hunter (76, foul)

Referee: Joe Hull 7

Attendance: 278

Entertainment: ****

Northwich Victoria (4-4-2): Deasy 7; Smalley 6 (Burnett 46, 6), Fishwick 6, Ali 7; Henry 6, Krou 7 (Meadowcroft 46, 7), Cook 7, HOWARD 7, Grayson 7; Bennett 7 (Roddy 89), Amis 6. Subs (not used): Smith (gk), Hadfield

Darlington (4-4-2): Jameson 7; A Mitchell 8, Brown 8, Hunter 7, Watson 8; Thompson 7, SCOTT 9, Portas 8, Galbraith 7; Dowson 7 (Cartman 46, 6), Armstrong 8. Subs (not used): Bell (gk), Weldon, Lovegreen, Mota

MAN OF THE MATCH

LEON Scott – Won the midfield battle and kept play ticking over