DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson has told his players that their League Two destiny lies in their own hands.

Sixth-placed Quakers meet Oxford United at the Williamson Motors Stadium this afternoon, aiming to build on their impressive start to the year.

Hodgson's men have so far claimed maximum points in 2005, with wins against then top-of-the-table Scunthorpe and Macclesfield.

The last time Quakers won the first three games of the year was in 1966, when they were eventually promoted from the old Fourth Division - after finishing runners-up to Doncaster Rovers.

And Hodgson believes Quakers can be considered as serious promotion contenders this time around, especially with the squad he has at his disposal.

"Whether Mark Proctor or myself are here or not, the players at this football club can decide what they want," said Hodgson. "We have a squad which is capable of remaining in the top seven.

"They may need an element of luck to go with it, but I have no doubt that, with the quality we have, there's every chance we can build ourselves a good winning run."

On FA Cup round-three day, Quakers are the highest League Two side in action this afternoon and victory would take Hodgson's men up to fifth in the table.

However, after seeing his side slip from fifth to tenth after three straight defeats in December, Hodgson will approach today's clash with a great deal of caution.

"On the other side of the coin that same group of players are also capable of shooting themselves in the foot," said Hodgson. "We had a meeting on Thursday and I told them that they hold the key to what we achieve this season.

"If that group of players want the incentives and adulation that goes with it so badly then they can do it.

"We've won five of our last eight games and if we can carry that kind of form until the end of the season we'll go up."

Curtis Fleming will captain Quakers this afternoon after Neil Maddison twisted his ankle in a freak accident.

Belfast-born Brian Close is available after serving a one-match ban and will compete with Clark Keltie for Maddison's central midfield berth.

Hodgson is expected to keep faith with Ryan Valentine in the back-three after the former Everton defender impressed in Close's absence against Macclesfield.

"We have choices and on a defensive role the logical choice would be to replace Maddo with Brian Close," revealed Hodgson. "In an offensive role we also have players like Clark Keltie."

Winger Neil Wainwright will be fit to face the Us, despite picking up a knock on the shoulder against Macclesfield.

Craig Hignett and Chris Hughes are both struggling with a virus and Hodgson revealed the pair have a 60 per-cent chance of playing. Hignett is just one game short of making his 450th career appearance.

Struggling Oxford have won just twice in six games under new boss Ramon Diaz. The former Argentine international succeeded Graham Rix last month.

Diaz will make at least one change from the side which secured a goalless draw at Bury five days ago. Barry Quinn is suspended so Paul Wanless stands by for a recall. Chris Hackett remains sidelined through suspension.

Meanwhile, Dean Gordon has emerged as a target for Scottish Premier League side, Dundee. The former Middlesbrough defender is training with Quakers after leaving Grimsby last week.

Teesside-based Gordon is keen to remain in the North-East and has asked Dundee boss Jim Duffy for time to think over the move.

"Dean has enjoyed his short time with us and we'll take another look at him next week," said Hodgson. "There is a possibility that a couple of players may be moving on, which would enable us to bring someone in."

Hodgson confirmed that York City, Kidderminster Harriers and Macclesfield Town have made enquiries for two unnamed players.

The Quakers boss also revealed plans to bolster his attacking options.

He said: "More than anything else we need a striker. At the moment we've only really got Craig Russell as back-up. While we know what we're going to get out of him, he's not going to chip in with ten goals."

* In an initiative to build up the atmosphere before this afternoon's clash, fans are being urged to bring their own flags as part of a 'Fly the flag for Darlo' day. Proms-style music will precede kick-off.

* The Football League have formally charged Shrewsbury for failing to fulfil a League fixture, following the ill-fated League Two clash with Bury on Boxing Day.

The Shrews' team bus got stuck in traffic following a serious accident on the M6 and Gary Peters' team were unable to get to Gigg Lane in time.

Read more about the Quakers here.