Swansea City stretched their unbeaten run to three games for the first time this season with a well-earned 1-0 victory against mid-table Darlington at the Vetch.
Kevin Nugent grabbed the goal, his third in three games, as Swansea continued to close the gap on the teams above them.
In a dull first half it was Swansea who started the brighter with Roberto Martinez having the best early chance.
The on-loan Walsall midfielder tackled well on the halfway line and dribbled to the edge of the are where he unleashed a wicked shot which Andy Collett did well to parry.
Swansea continued to press and in fact took the lead just before half time through former Cardiff City striker Nugent. The veteran striker bundled home his third goal in three games to give the home side the advantage.
Nugent was first to react to Kieron Dukan's deflected cross and he looped the ball over the line.
However, just a minute later Darlington were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when Jason Smith tripped Ashley Nicholls just inside the box.
But, referee Stretton adjudged that the striker had dived and controversially awarded a free-kick to the Swans as well as booking Nicholls.
After the break Darlington rarely threatened and never looked to get back into the game.
Their only real chance came on the hour when Ian Clark had his goalbound header superbly headed off the line by Steve Watkin.
Moments earlier Swansea had also wasted their best opportunity to seal the game.
Swansea's top scorer, James Thomas, who is experiencing a barren spell as of late blazed his header inches wide after Durkan had floated in a superb free-kick.
As the game ran into the final moments the game threatened to boil over with Darlington resorting to foul play in an attempt to get back into the game, but Swansea kept their composure and held on for a vital three points.