Darlington manager David Hodgson has warned his players that administration will not deflect attention away from their problems on the pitch, writes Lee Hall.

Yesterday's Boxing Day defeat at home to Huddersfield leaves Quakers four points adrift of third-bottom Southend.

However, Hodgson insists he is not about to use the club's financial plight as an excuse for their poor form, which has seen them claim one win in their last 14 League games.

"If players think they are safe here because we're in administration then they're wrong," said Hodgson. "There is no way in a million years am I going to let anyone use the position we're in as an excuse.

"I've got to start putting that point across to them now.

"The players have got no chance if they think there's nobody else here to replace them."

For the third game running Quakers were defeated by a single goal.

And tomorrow they play their second game in 48 hours when they travel to the only team below them in the Football League, Carlisle United.

Hodgson admits there will be little time to tinker with his options in time for the trip to Brunton Park.

"We haven't got much time to work on it but that's probably a good thing," said Hodgson. "The players won't have time to think and hopefully at a quarter-to-five on Sunday I'll be able to talk about getting three points."

But in a Carlisle side which has won its last two matches, Hodgson's beleaguered men face another tough test.

However, they will be boosted by the return from suspension of Barry Conlon.

The Irishman has been sorely missed by Quakers, who have failed to score a single goal during the 25-year-old's absence.

Defender Ryan Valentine is also available again after serving the same ban.

Hodgson admits it will be difficult to ignore the two.

"I have to look very seriously about bringing them back into the side," he said. "In Baz we have a striker who was in form prior to getting suspended and young Ryan would have to replace Chris Hughes, who has done nothing wrong.

"We've got to be positive and go to Carlisle looking for a win. If we go into every game this season coming away happy with a point we've got no chance.''

On-loan striker Lee Matthews, who has failed to score in three appearances for Quakers, could be sacrificed for Conlon.

Hodgson may make at least one other change with midfield duo Clark Keltie and Gary Pearson pushing for recalls.

The Cumbrians should keep faith with the side which won at Bury yesterday with recent signing Andy Preece expected to lead the line.

Hartlepool United defender Paul Arnison, currently on loan at Brunton Park, will start, with former Pool striker Kevin Henderson expected to remain on the bench, despite scoring yesterday.

Read more about the Quakers here.