DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson was quick to take the brunt of blame for yesterday's defeat against Rochdale at the Williamson Motors Stadium.

Hodgson insists his decision to ignore advice from assistant manager Mark Proctor cost Quakers three points.

The boss revealed it was his decision to play three defenders against Dale's three-pronged attack after Proctor argued a flat-back four would work better.

After seeing his back-line exposed on several occasions - Dale had 17 shots on target - Hodgson held up his hands.

He said: "Today is 'Blame David Hodgson day' because I'm the one who made those decisions, which cost us three points.

"I'm going to take the responsibility because I ignored Mark Proctor.

"He felt we should have started with four at the back and I decided to stick with three. I went with that on the belief that our three could deal with their three strikers, and they couldn't."

Until the end of November, Quakers boasted the second best defensive record behind Swansea City. But since then they have conceded three in games against Lincoln, Boston and now Rochdale.

"We've been excellent defensively this season, but we've now conceded six in two games so I have question marks," added Hodgson.

It took Dale just 19 minutes to exploit Quakers' defensive frailties through Tai Atieno's first goal of the season and Hodgson admitted the game was already effectively over as a contest.

"It's the same old scenario and once the opposition work harder we tend to cave in," said Hodgson.

"At times we don't strive for what other teams strive for. Once they got their first goal I couldn't see us finding a way back into it.

"Sam Russell had a great game, which says it all really, especially when you're at home."

Hodgson will welcome back skipper Neil Maddison for tomorrow's trip to Shrewsbury, after he was rested against Rochdale.

"We don't have time to dwell and we have to pick ourselves up for the Shrewsbury game," said Hodgson.

"I have plenty to think about but there will definitely be changes."

* Coca-Cola League One leaders Luton left it late again to secure victory.

Striker Enoch Showunmi scored the only goal with three minutes remaining against Chesterfield at Saltergate.

The Nigerian had scored a last-ditch winner at Bristol City last week, while Ahmet Brkovic netted with six minutes left against Port Vale in the match before.

Showunmi struck with a header from six yards to maintain his side's five-point cushion at the top of the table.

Hull kept the pressure on Mike Newell's side with a win at Blackpool.

Striker Stuart Elliott scored twice - just after the hour and five minutes before full-time.

Read more about the Quakers here.