David Hodgson has made under-performing striker Clyde Wijnhard an example to those who think their Darlington place is guaranteed this season.

The Quakers boss has finally lost patience with Wijnhard, who is facing the prospect of sitting on the bench at Chester City this afternoon.

The boss has decided to take the hard line with Wijnhard, who has just one goal - a penalty at Rushden on the opening day - to his name this season. Wijnhard topped Quakers' scoring charts with 15 goals last season.

Hodgson has become increasingly frustrated with Wijnhard's contribution in the opening month of the season, expressing his concern the 31-year-old was not performing to the best of his ability.

Despite forming an encouraging forward partnership with new boy Simon Johnson in pre-season, the pair have yet to hit the right notes in League Two - grabbing just two goals between them in five starts.

Against Leyton Orient a fortnight ago, a below-par Wijnhard was substituted at half-time.

And Hodgson's frustration with Wijnhard finally came to a head in Tuesday's Carling Cup defeat at Hartlepool.

"I was hugely disappointed with Clyde's retention of the ball, especially in the first half at Hartlepool," said Hodgson. "There were opportunities to hit them on the break, but we couldn't do that without Clyde retaining the ball and bringing other people into play.

"Clyde is not the Clyde of last season. He's had one shot on target this season and that was a penalty, which is not a good return after four or five matches.

"It might just take him three or more games to get back into his stride. At the moment I have to look at changes to make us a better team.

"Clyde may be the one who is asked to step aside. Hopefully, that will make him look at the bigger picture and he will be a better player for it."

Hodgson's original ploy was to field the same side - injuries permitting - in the first six games of the season.

But after just four league games Hodgson will today make his first tactical change as Akpo Sodje makes his first start.

Hodgson has strongly hinted that Sodje will get the nod over recent recruit, Congolese striker Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu.

"Sodje has the advantage in that his work ethics have been as good as anyone at the club," said Hodgson. "I watched Guy in the reserves at Scarborough and he did some good stuff. "I think Guy still has a lot to learn in the game and he will get his chance."

Dutch defender Shelton Martis is fit to continue at right-back, despite taking a knock on the back at Pool. Midfielder Matty Appleby is also close to full fitness after a toe injury.

Goalkeeper Sam Russell will miss his second game with a calf injury, as Frenchman Bert Bossu continues to deputise.

Despite conceding three on his Quakers debut on Tuesday night, Hodgson has every faith in Bossu, who he feels came in for some unfair treatment at Victoria Park.

"If Sam is not ready for Saturday then it's not meant to be," said Hodgson. "I know that the public and the press were very critical of Bert after the Hartlepool game, but he won't take criticism from me.

"It was an easy option for people to have a go at Bert on Tuesday, but I thought he made a couple of fantastic saves.

"He was left exposed by our defenders for the first goal and he should never have been put in a difficult position for the second. Their third came from a great bit of skill and Bert was unlucky after making a great initial save.

"I'm not worried one little bit about having Bert between those sticks."

Russell will be given extra time to rest in the hope of being fit for the Bank Holiday Monday home clash with Rochdale.

Quakers face tenth placed Chester today, and Hodgson insists his side will go into today's clash at the Saunders Honda Stadium in a good frame of mind.