Darlington sat ten points clear of Lincoln, but thanks to the clubs decision to enter administration they now only sit above us on goal difference, once again opening up the race for a play off place.
In truth City's form hasn't been play off quality, despite being unbeaten in 2009. However with todays developments the chance of a late push has been increased, as long as games in hand against Macclesfield and ironically Darlington can be won.
The decision for Darlington to enter administration wasn't one taken lightly as chairman George Houghton explains.
"This is a sad day in the long history of Darlington Football Club. It was a result of a combination of circumstances compounded by the current economic recession."
"I intend to support the administrators in this process and if any serious investors can be found I stand ready to continue my involvement and some investment as part of a consortium in order to keep professional football alive in Darlington."
Darlington have looked like finally fulfilling the potential they have failed to meet in past seasons, but once again have been tagged as relatively big spenders n the league this season. They snatched a win against City earlier this season, but the reverse fixture was controversially cancelled on Valentines Day by referee Gavin Ward.