DARLINGTON boss David Hodgson admits he has more than just three points on his mind ahead of tonight's Third Division clash with Cheltenham at the Reynolds Arena.

Before Hodgson can even contemplate taking another massive step towards League safety this evening, he must first decide on which starting 11 can take the club nine points clear of the relegation zone.

The Quakers boss was forced to make three changes in Saturday's 1-0 win at Macclesfield, with Joey Hutchinson, Neil Teggart and Ian Clark all unavailable.

If Hodgson stands by his policy of sticking with a winning formula, the returning trio may have to be patient.

David McGurk, Ryan Valentine and Craig Russell all deputised in their absences on Saturday and will be hopeful of keeping their places for tonight's rearranged game.

On-loan Sunderland striker Teggart and Clark are available again after serving one-match bans, while Hutchinson can play after remaining in the North-East at the weekend with his fiance, who was in labour.

"I have given this a lot of thought," said Hodgson. "Do I change things around or do I keep the same team? It is something I will have to weigh up.

"It's not a bad situation to be in. Whatever decision I come to will be for the good of the team."

The most likely change could see the return of Teggart in place of Craig Russell.

Despite scoring the only goal of the game at the weekend, the former Sunderland striker is still lacking match practice.

"Russ was tired on Saturday and wasn't ready for 90 minutes but I didn't have many other options," said Hodgson.

"I was delighted with him and he took his goal superbly."

The Quakers boss believes the next four days are going to be crucial to the club's survival chances.

Quakers play host to Cambridge on Saturday in a game which could all but extinguish any lingering relegation fears, according to Hodgson.

"We have two games coming up at home and if we can win them we're almost there," said Hodgson.

"We're not out of it yet and we need to make sure we approach every game with the right attitude.

"The lads have worked so hard and they're getting their rewards."

Cheltenham have eased their own relegation worries recently, with five wins from their last seven games.

Robins boss John Ward has no fresh injury worries after Saturday's 3-2 win over Lincoln City at Whaddon Road.

Horden-born striker Bob Taylor is available following a rib injury, along with Shane Duff, who has recovered from a knee problem.

"Darlington won again so it should be a good game for us on Tuesday," said Ward.

"We are looking forward to that now, whereas a few weeks ago it might have been an anxious game for us."

* Tickets are still available for this Sunday's players' reunion at the Reynolds Arena.

Marco Gabbiadini, Ronnie Ferguson, Paul Heckingbottom, Glenn Naylor and Colin Sinclair are just some of the ex-stars already confirmed for the event, which begins at 2pm.

The afternoon will feature awards, guest speakers, an auction, buffet and a quiz.

Tickets are £10 each and will be available in Bar 66 before tonight's game.

Read more about the Quakers here.