Darlington boss David Hodgson sees tonight's League Two clash at Notts County as a chance to rectify their defensive frailties and re-affirm their reputation as the division's shut-out experts.

Prior to Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to Bury, Quakers had conceded the second fewest goals in League Two.

Indeed, injuries to first choice defenders Joey Hutchinson, Craig Liddle and Curtis Fleming had been glossed over with some fine displays over the last month.

But the trio were sorely missed at the weekend as individual errors cost Quakers dear.

A makeshift back-three - consisting of Joe Kendrick, Matt Clarke and Brian Close - were ran ragged by Bury and in particular, young striker Dave Nugent.

It was a slip from Kendrick which gifted Bury their second goal on Saturday and Hodgson admitted: "I lost count of the amount of suicidal balls our defenders played to midfielders.

"Our defenders did not give the ball to players on the flanks, that give us width and stretches teams. Instead passes were going into the middle to players not in a position to receive the ball which meant we put ourselves under pressure.

"I made a point to Joe Kendrick in the dressing room after the game. He lost the ball about five or six times against Bury.

"The mistakes were all silly little things that the players should deal with. Next time they're in the same position they can't do it again, such as the suicidal passes into midfield. The players should think about things more next time, show a bit more craft.

"We are lacking a bit of experience in the back-line and that showed."

Last week, Hodgson admitted a loan signing could be an option, while Canadian defender Tyler Hughes has impressed on trial.

In addition, David McGurk is earning rave reviews on loan at York City and it could be time for the Teessider to be given an opportunity in the Darlington team.

Despite the weekend blip, Hodgson is likely to keep faith with the same starting XI at Meadow Lane this evening.

And he will be hoping Clyde Wijnhard can continue his scoring exploits after the Dutchman claimed his third goal in as many games against Bury.

Craig Hignett was substituted on Saturday but will be fit to face struggling County, who were beaten 3-1 at Mansfield on Saturday.

The Nottingham outfit were relegated from the old Second Division last season and were one of the bookies' favourites to make a swift return.

However, County have not won at Meadow Lane since beating Blackpool 4-1 in April - a run of ten games. At Field Mill on Saturday there were calls for County boss Gary Mills' resignation from sections of travelling fans.

Mills has no fresh injury worries, but Mike Edwards and Ian Richardson remain doubtful. Striker Steve Scoffham has resumed training following a broken leg, but is still short of match fitness.

l As Neale Cooper introduces another youth team product to Hartlepool United's first-team, the manager is demanding his side stop defending like schoolboys.

Steve Turnbull made an impressive appearance as substitute in Saturday's win over Chesterfield at Victoria Park.

And the teenager is likely to be on the bench at Brentford tonight, when Pool must improve their poor away form.

They have suffered five defeats on the road this season, including heavy reverses at Milton Keynes and Luton in their last two outings.

Cooper admitted: "It was a schoolboy error which cost us a goal on Saturday and we have to stop it.

"We are making too many mistakes, especially away from home. Some of our defending has been criminal and we are giving the opposition a lift.

"But Saturday was an important win for us because it comes before two tough away games in a week. Our away form has to be better and we all know it.''

Turnbull appeared as a second-half substitute on Saturday and never looked out of place as Pool stepped up a gear to find a winning goal.

Tony Sweeney's clincher came from Turnbull's shot and Cooper said: "He came on and looked well. He didn't waste a pass in the middle of the park.''