Darlington midfielder Mickey Cummins has admitted the Quakers are realistically looking at the play-offs now after losing to Stockport at the weekend.
The defeat means the club are a point short of third place having played two games more than their main rivals, with Cummins telling the press: "We've got four games left and we need four wins to secure promotion, but I think we're looking at seven games to go really.
"Nobody's going to be booking any holidays. We're looking at the play-offs now, which is not what we want but it would be a great way to get promoted."
Cummins was pressed into an attacking role when Julian Joachim was taken off, with full back Scott Wiseman ending the game up front as well: "Julian's walking around on crutches now and I'm carrying his bag for him. He's going to be a massive miss because we're down to the bare bones which is why we had Scott Wiseman up front at the end."
The Quakers have scored only a solitary penalty in three games, their last goal from open play coming 271 minutes ago, with the five remaining strikers at the club all struggling for fitness. Joachim and Gregg Blundell are definitely out with Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu (Achilles), Pawel Abbott (hamstring), and Tommy Wright (hip) all doubtful.
Meanwhile, their stretched squad may see another departure with Leeds boss Gary McAllister mulling over a recall for defender Ben Parker. The 20 year old may be needed due to defensive injury crisis at Elland Road, as he is their only available left-back with regular Alan Sheehan due to start a two match ban on Saturday.