DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson has insisted the morale of his players has never wavered during one of the most difficult times in the club's history.

Cash-strapped Quakers were last week put into administration by chairman George Reynolds in order to save the club from a winding up order.

However, Hodgson has vowed to do whatever he can to ensure off-the-field problems do not affect the players' performances, with Quakers fighting to preserve their League status.

Second-bottom Quakers are three points adrift of safety after Sunday's 1-1 draw at rock-bottom Carlisle.

"Their morale in the changing room has never dropped, which is always a good sign in these circumstances," said Hodgson.

"I have no qualms with my players at all and they know we can't use administration as an excuse.

"I was disappointed with the way we lost our last two home games but the lads have stuck at it and they got what they deserved at Carlisle. We could easily have come away with a win."

Quakers are still searching for their first away win in the League this season, and on Saturday they travel to the capital to take on Leyton Orient.

"I had many positives to take in to the Carlisle game and we will go to Orient with the same attitude," said Hodgson.

"It is a difficult trip. Our away record has been poor but as long as the lads continue to show the right attitude there's a very good chance we'll come away with something."

Hodgson is expected to keep faith with on-loan striker Lee Matthews for the trip to Brisbane Road.

The Bristol City forward scored his first goal for the club on Sunday in his best display since returning to the North-East for a month at the start of December.

The Teessider has two games remaining but any extension to his deal looks unlikely under the current financial circumstances.

That news could alert a number of clubs, who have been monitoring the 25-year-old's form at the Reynolds Arena.

Matthews is out of contract at the end of the season, with Oxford and Doncaster both keeping tabs on the 6ft 3in forward.

* Midfielder Adam Murray's agent has described Kidderminster's assertion the 22-year-old has signed for the club as ''very premature.''

The Aggborough club announced on Sunday evening free-agent Murray had agreed terms with them but now the player's representative, Gino Culbertson, is insisting the former England Under-20 international has yet to put pen to paper.

A statement on Kidderminster's official website had read: ''Kidderminster are delighted to confirm former England youth international Adam Murray has agreed an 18-month contract with the club.''

Murray made three appearances while on loan at Aggborough earlier this season prior to his release by Derby following treatment for alcohol related problems.

Read more about the Quakers here.