REDEMPTION may be almost unheard of in only the third week of the season, but that is exactly what Darlington manager David Hodgson will give his side a shot at against Grimsby Town this afternoon.

Despite their capitulation to Leyton Orient seven days ago, Hodgson has gave his clearest hint that the last week's starting XI - providing Matty Appleby overcomes a toe injury - will be given the opportunity to make amends at Blundell Park.

Hodgson described the performance against Orient as a "shambles" and he will be hoping the faith he has shown in his players has the desired effect today.

Indeed, there is every reason for Hodgson to suggest that his side can get their season back on track, before it has even left the station, in Cleethorpes this afternoon.

Orient aside, Quakers have shown all the signs of a side capable of challenging for League Two honours this season.

Hodgson's men let hosts Rushden off with a point on the first day of the season, before brushing Stockport to the side days later in a comprehensive 2-0 win.

Taking four points from a possible six, the pre-season optimism was only buoyed by Quakers' healthy start.

And, while the Orient defeat may have been a bitter setback, Hodgson still has every confidence the same players who were booed off last Saturday can be forgiven with a positive result today.

"That same 11 got us four points out of six and I know that they are capable of putting another run of getting the same from the next six points," said Hodgson.

"If we go making changes and it doesn't work then where do you go?"

Last season tinkerman Hodgson kept faith with the same line-up in back-to-back games on just three occasions. The Quakers boss defended his decision, citing injuries and utilising the squad he had at his disposal.

But, after a busy summer of ins and outs at the Darlington Football Stadium, Hodgson is satisfied that he has the players to accommodate a 4-4-2 system - rather than the much-maligned 3-5-2 - and a settled line-up he has confidence in.

"We made a lot of changes last season, but I'm not going to let that happen this time around," said Hodgson.

"I think it is important that we give these players time to play as a team. If it doesn't happen then you start to think about changes."

Hodgson may yet be forced to make one change, depending on the fitness of Appleby, who faces a late test. If Appleby fails to recover in time then teenager Anthony Peacock stands by to make his full Quakers debut.

Dutch defender Shelton Martis should keep his place at right-back, despite conceding the match-winning penalty against Orient. David Duke, yet to make his full debut, may have to settle for a place on the bench if Martis gets the nod.

Defender Matt Clarke was substituted against Orient with a back problem, but the skipper will be fit to keep his place alongside Joey Hutchinson, who makes his 50th league start for the club.

Quakers did the double over Grimsby last season, beating the Mariners on the opening day with a late goal from Ian Clark, before recording a Sam Russell inspired 1-0 win at Blundell Park in the corresponding fixture in March.

Russell saved Martin Gritton's second half penalty after the original effort was ruled out for encroachment in a game Quakers spent the majority of defending

"I still to this day cannot believe they got six points out of us in those games," said Grimsby boss Russell Slade.

"Their keeper, Sam Russell, was their best player on both occasions. Hopefully he will not be in such good form. It's our turn to win this time."

Slade has no fresh injury worries to tend with and welcomes back Ciaran Toner, Jean-Paul Kalala and skipper Justin Whittle.

Striker Gary Cohen, on loan from Gretna, comes into contention after impressing for the reserves on Monday. Former Sunderland striker Michael Reddy will be fit to partner Gritton in attack after shaking off a groin problem.

Meanwhile, unsettled Darlington goalkeeper Bertrand Bossu has joined Accrington Stanley on a months loan. Bossu, who only joined Quakers last month, is unhappy at being second choice to Russell wants to leave the club.

l There are still tickets available for Quakers' Carling Cup clash with Hartlepool United on Tuesday (7.30pm). The club have sold 577 of their 960 allocation for the all-ticket derby

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