WITH just two games played, the League Two table may be as telling as a British weather forecast, but Darlington manager David Hodgson wants this afternoon's top of the table clash with Leyton Orient to be the first of many for his side this season.

Hodgson would take the month of May over August any day to be in the same predicament.

Indeed, the he professes that today's game has arrived 44 games too soon.

But, for a club, which has become accustomed to scraps at the wrong end of the table in recent years, Hodgson is prepared to be patient over the next nine months.

The Football League season may be just seven days old, but in that time Hodgson's men have been able to meet early season expectations, opening with a draw at Rushden and midweek win over Stockport.

Today, second-placed Darlington entertain first-placed Orient, who arrive with promotion aspirations of their own.

"I'm pleased with the start we've made, the only problem is there are 44 games still to play," said Hodgson. "We haven't had a top of the table game for some time and it's up to us to build on the start we've made.

"It's great that we're up there so early on in the season, and it's up to us to make sure that we stay.

"We've played some good football in spells in the two games we've played this season, but there's still an awful lot for us to work on."

Orient are the only side in League Two to boast a 100 per-cent record after 2-1 wins against both Macclesfield and Bury in the last seven days.

"Beating Orient would give us another good lift and the confidence to go into our next game with real belief in ourselves," said Hodgson.

"I have no doubt in the spirit within the squad, but it's winning matches that provides the real foundation."

Last season, Quakers' promotion aspirations were killed off by their inability to cement a top seven place, which was so often at their mercy.

However, Hodgson has already seen enough this season to suggest he now has the squad at his disposal to maintain a foothold at the top of League Two.

"We can spend all day preparing for games, but that hard work counts for nothing if you're not mentally ready," said Hodgson.

"I don't want that to surface this year, but from what I have seen so far this season I believe we have a group of players who can deal with the pressure."

Hodgson will make a late check on the fitness of Dutch defender Shelton Martis before deciding whether or not to remain unchanged from Tuesday night's win over Stockport.

David Duke is on standby to make his full debut if Hodgson decides to rest Martis. Duke was suspended for Quakers' League Two opener at Rushden seven days ago, meaning an unfamiliar right-back role for Martis.

"Dukesy has been unfortunate in that he lost the opportunity to play in our first game because he was suspended," said Hodgson. "He came on and did very well against Stockport, but whether or not he starts on Saturday will depend on the condition of Shelton.

"He looked slightly tired the other night, which is why we took him off. Will three games in a week take its toll or will it get Shelton fitter?"

Ryan Valentine could switch to right-back if Duke makes his full debut following his summer move from Swindon.

Despite his midweek goalscoring exploits, striker Akpo Sodje will have to settle for a place on the Quakers bench, as Clyde Wijnhard partners Simon Johnson in attack

Os boss Martin Ling has no fresh injury worries and is expected to name the same side which earned a 2-1 win at Bury in midweek.

Midfielder Derek Duncan and striker Jabo Ibhre are the only Orient absentees through injury.

Meanwhile, Slovenian winger Ales Mejac will train with Quakers next week after arriving in England yesterday.

Hodgson has agreed to take a look at the 22-year-old, who is without a club after leaving NK Mura.

Mejac has represented his country at B and Under-21 level.

Hodgson is keen to add another out-and-out winger to his squad as cover for Carlos Logan and Neil Wainwright, and Mejac could fit the bill if he impresses.

However, any further move for Mejac will depend on Hodgson's plans to let one player leave the club.

"I want to stick with a squad of 21 players, so will have to wait and see what else develops," said Hodgson. "I don't know much about Ales, but we will see how he does next week."

* Former Quakers winger Jason St Juste has returned to Garforth Town. The teenager left Quakers in May after making 15 appearances last season.

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