'WE won't let you down' - that was Darlington manager David Hodgson's promise to fans who have become accustomed to countless false dawns in recent years.

On the back of two straight wins Quakers lie seventh in League Two ahead of this afternoon's clash with Leyton Orient at the Williamson Motors Stadium.

Having managed Quakers on three separate occasions during the last nine years, Hodgson can sympathise with the numerous setbacks success-starved fans have been forced to endure.

True to form, Quakers have wasted opportunities to break into the play-off places already this season, following defeats against Bury and Swansea.

But after victory against Mansfield Town on Tuesday night, for the first time this season Quakers occupy a place in the play-off mix.

Hodgson's men have claimed back-to-back wins - against Cheltenham and Mansfield - in the league since losing 3-0 at home to Lincoln last month.

And the manager believes the humiliating capitulation against the Imps has been the driving force behind their recent revival.

Quakers have not won three successive league games since February and Hodgson said: "I can say right now that we will not let the fans down.

"The Lincoln game is still lingering at the back of their minds and that's what will push them on.

"This club has a habit of letting the supporters down, it always has done since I can remember."

Quakers have four games remaining in 2004 and Hodgson has set his sights on ending the year on a high.

"We have to look to strengthen our place in the top ten going into the New Year," said Hodgson.

"Only Scunthorpe and Yeovil have shown some level of consistency this season and that is the difference between the teams at the top and at the bottom."

Brian Close is available after serving a one-match ban against Mansfield, leaving Hodgson to deliberate on whether or not to change Tuesday's side.

Close has missed just three games this season and will be pushing for a return to defensive duties. Matt Clarke is fit to start, despite picking up a facial injury against the Stags. With skipper Craig Liddle sidelined until the New Year and due to undergo an operation on a stomach injury next week, Neil Maddison will wear the captain's armband after recovering from a calf strain.

Leading scorer Alun Armstrong will partner Clyde Wijnhard in attack after being in talks about a possible move from the club this week. Armstrong's agent has been in talks with several clubs, including Sheffield Wednesday.

However, Owls' boss Paul Sturrock has categorically denied making a move.

"I talked to Darlington on Thursday and told them we're not interested in the player," he said.

Armstrong is out of contract next week and has been told by Hodgson that he can extend his stay at the Williamson Motors Stadium after scoring seven goals in 13 appearances.

Fifth-placed Orient are without 12-goal top scorer Lee Steele, who will miss his fifth game with a knee injury. In Steele's absence, Dan Chillingworth will face his former club for a second time this season.

Chillingworth is on loan from Cambridge, having scored for the Us in a 1-1 draw at the WMS in August. Chillingworth scored two goals in five appearances on loan to Quakers three seasons ago.

Another ex-Quaker, winger Tom Newey, will be on the bench for Martin Ling's side, who have won just once in their last five league games.

* Hodgson is exploring the possibility of signing Nice striker Franck Padovani on a season-long loan. The 19-year-old has made just one appearance in La Championnat this season and Nice coach Gernot Rohr is keen for French Under-20 international to gain first-team experience.

Hodgson is also keen to take another look at Lithuanian international Grigalevicius Mindaugas. The 23-year-old began his career in his homeland with FK Zalgiris Vilinus, before moving to the VB Vagur in the Faroe Islands this year. Mindaugas impressed on a recent trial with Quakers and Hodgson is hoping to run the rule over the forward next week.

l Former Quakers midfielder Ashley Nicholls has been told he can leave Cambridge United.