NEVER one to shun a challenge, David Hodgson could not have picked a bigger test than the one he was walking into at Darlington Football Club last November.

Few, given his acrimonious exit under former chairman George Reynolds in 2000, envied Hodgson's brave decision to return to the club for a third time.

Indeed, few would have guessed Hodgson would be the man Reynolds would turn to in his desperate hour of need, with the club slouched in the relegation zone and heading for Conference football next season.

How ironic then that just as the last remnants of Reynolds' controversial five-year tenure were symbolically removed - letter by letter - on Thursday, Hodgson would take his side to Lincoln City today with league safety in sight.

Five months ago Quakers fans heralded Hodgson's official homecoming with a goalless draw against this afternoon's opponents.

And today's trip to Sincil Bank could prove just as momentous with Quakers standing just 90 minutes away from preserving their Third Division status.

With three games remaining, Quakers hold a six-point lead over second-bottom York, who travel to title-chasing Doncaster today.

And Hodgson believes a point will be enough to erase any lingering relegation worries for his side.

"I want these players to understand that survival in this league will be achieved by their own accord," said Hodgson. "I want them to go out against Lincoln with the purpose of taking at least a point.

"We have no idea what the outcome of York and Carlisle's games are going to be.

"There's no reason why they can't go out, get a goal and hold on to it with their lives.

"We have to make sure we adopt the same attitude.

"We cannot allow ourselves to rely on other results going our way."

And against a Lincoln side who lie fifth in the Third Division, Hodgson believes Keith Alexander's men will provide a stern test and some measure of Quakers' progress under his tenure.

"Lincoln have got everything to play for and we've got everything to play for," said Hodgson.

"My first home game back was against Lincoln and on that day I thought the lads did very well under the circumstances. I genuinely believe we are a better footballing side since then.

"Hopefully they will make it count on Saturday."

Ensuring survival will cap a remarkable achievement for Hodgson and his back room staff, since the club was placed into administration in December.

"If we get on that coach after the game knowing the club is safe I will be delighted," said Hodgson.

"We've managed to get ourselves in a position where our future is in our own hands.

"We have done that without being able to sign players and in the knowledge that the club could fold."

And while safety could be assured today, Hodgson insists Quakers' remaining two games against Swansea and Scunthorpe are just as important.

"I'll be going to win the next two games after that as well," said Hodgson. "There won't be any other way about it.

"If I have to play another player because somebody is struggling then fine. We could actually finish in the top half of the table if we pick up another nine points. Whether or not that happens, it has to be our aim to finish the season as strongly as possible."

It looks likely that Hodgson will name the same side which beat Oxford seven days ago.

Skipper Neil Maddison is a major doubt with a knee injury, while striker Craig Russell is still sidelined with a groin strain.

Imps boss Alexander will watch today's game from the stands after receiving a three-match touchline ban by the FA this week.

Alexander, who returned to the club following brain surgery in February, was found guilty of making gestures to the crowd at Bury in August.

The Imps have several injury worries to contend with. Skipper Paul Morgan is doubtful after picking up a hamstring strain in the 2-0 win at Carlisle last week. Kevin Ellison, Ben Futcher and Jamie McCombe all face fitness tests.