DAVID Hodgson will study video footage before deciding on whether or not to appeal against skipper Matt Clarke's sending off in yesterday's 2-1 win over Rochdale.

Clarke's 56th minute challenge on Rickie Lambert was deemed a professional foul by referee Clive Oliver and the defender was sent off for only the second time in his career - his first dismissal came for Halifax in a 5-0 defeat at Darlington in 2002.

Oliver felt that Clarke denied Lambert a goalscoring opportunity, although Quakers are considering lodging an appeal.

"I've told the referee that we might have to appeal because we didn't feel Matt was the last man," said Hodgson.

"The referee felt that, even if Matt wasn't the last man, he prevented a goalscoring opportunity by pulling their lad back.

"We will have a look at the incident again on video and if we win the appeal that's fantastic, but if we don't we will have to shuffle our pack."

Clarke will serve an immediate two-match ban if he fails to have yesterday's red card overturned, meaning the defender will miss Friday night's top-of-the-table clash with Notts County and the trip to Mansfield on September 10.

If Clarke is unavailable Hodgson will hand a recall to Dutch defender Shelton Martis, who has recovered from a back problem.

Quakers moved up to second in League Two yesterday thanks to goals from Simon Johnson and Carlos Logan.

"It's nice to be second, but I would prefer it if we were up there in May," said Hodgson.

"The most important thing is we're taking a step in the right direction with that win.

"Rochdale are always a difficult side to play against, but I thought we dealt with them well."

Goalkeeper Sam Russell is winning his battle to be fit in time to face Notts County. Russell has missed the last three games with a calf injury.

Bert Bossu has deputised in Russell's absence and Hodgson was pleased with the Frenchman's contribution yesterday.

"I thought Bert did excellently today, but whether or not we bring Sam back on Friday remains to be seen," said Hodgson.

Clark Keltie has suffered another injury blow after the midfielder was ruled out for six weeks with an ankle injury.

The 21-year-old only recently returned to training after seven months out with cruciate knee ligament damage.

Brian Close will begin rehabilitation on an ankle injury this week.

The Belfast-born player has yet to make an appearance this season after undergoing surgery.