SEBASTIEN Ferrero may have done little at the weekend to suggest he is the man to lead Darlington's attack next season, but manager David Hodgson insists the Argentinian could still be the answer to his striker problems.

The 20-year-old failed to make an impact as Quakers were mauled 5-0 at home to Peterborough, completing their pre-season preparations in the worst possible way ahead of Saturday's League Two curtain-raiser with Grimsby Town.

Carrying a foot injury, Ferrero was jeered when he was replaced by fellow countryman Leandro Scartascini in the 74th minute.

However, having assessed the former Raith Rovers forward in training on a day-to-day basis, Hodgson believes Ferrero has a lot more to offer.

"What we are seeing on the training ground is this very gifted player," said Hodgson.

"The public are not aware that he has a couple of knocks and they are bound to have a pop at him. The lad is fighting for a contract so we have to make a decision on whether we go with what we see on the training ground or what we saw out there on Saturday."

On the pitch, there was little that went Hodgson's way on Saturday in front of just 622 fans.

Quakers were two down inside the first 17 minutes and, after Posh boss Barry Fry made 11 changes at the interval, Hodgson's men simply couldn't compete in the searing heat, as Grimsby boss Russell Slade looked on from the stands.

After having a goal ruled out after just 15 seconds, Clive Platt found the net again five minutes later to put the visitors in front.

Keeper Sam Russell flapped at Dave Farrell's cross, leaving Platt to side-foot into an empty net.

And Hodgson was left seething when more slack marking allowed Callum Willock to double the lead in the 17th minute.

Former Rochdale striker Platt was allowed time down the right, before crossing for Willock, who netted from close range.

Grant showed good strength to dispossess Elliott Ward early in the second half, before crossing for the impressive Mark Convery who fired straight at substitute keeper James Pullen.

At the other end Quakers keeper Michael Price - a half-time replacement for Russell - was at full stretch to tip away Adam Fry's free-kick.

However, from the resulting corner Leon Constantine was allowed time in the box, before poking the ball under Price.

On 77 minutes Constantine turned provider, crossing for Gareth Jellyman, who rose above Chris Hughes at the back post to send a looping header over Price.

Posh striker Matt Nolan completed a miserable afternoon when he added a fifth goal late on.

DARLINGTON: Russell (Price 45min), Fleming, Liddle, Hutchinson (Clark 54min), Kendrick, Close (Wainwright 62min), Thomas (Hughes 74min), Convery (Maddison 62min), Valentine, Grant (Russell 54min), Ferrero (Scartascini 74min).

l Plymouth Argyle striker Stuart Yetton is expected to feature for a Darlington Select XI at Guisborough Town this evening