DAVID HODGSON knows that only time will tell whether or not Darlington have finally parted with their inconsistent ways.

But the manager has warned their new-found resilience will be put to the test by Oxford United this afternoon.

After eight games this season, Hodgson's men have shown few signs of repeating the erratic form which effectively decided their League Two fate in the previous campaign.

Encouragingly, the blip-o-meter reads just one at present - their only league defeat of the season at home to Leyton Orient last month - but Hodgson believes that Brian Talbot's Us will provide his side with a stern test of their credentials, despite their lowly league placing.

Oxford, 18th in League Two, have won just once this season, but Hodgson knows the early-season form book counts for little.

"I'm hoping I have seen enough to suggest that we have overcome the problems we had last season," said Hodgson.

"Every game is there to trip you up and the game against Oxford will be no different.

"I know that they've made a poor start but you only have to look at the players they have in their squad to not underestimate them."

Oxford have former Middlesbrough striker Andy Campbell on loan from Cardiff, while Hodgson is also wary of the threat striker Eric Sabin and winger Chris Hackett both pose.

"They are good players who can all cause plenty of problems so we have to be wise to that," added Hodgson.

"I'm sure Oxford will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season under Brian Talbot, a manager with vast experience.

"It will be a good test against a good club with good players."

As sixth-placed Quakers bid to strengthen their position, Hodgson believes the fans have an important part to play in turning the Darlington Football Stadium into a League Two fortress.

"Unlike last season I think we are starting to believe in ourselves at home," said Hodgson. "Our only defeat came against Leyton Orient and that was by a penalty.

"The fans have been very good and that is because we've played to the standard they expect.

"If the supporters can back the players, as opposed to booing them at the first opportunity, it makes one hell of a difference."

Hodgson will make a final check on the fitness of Sam Russell this morning. The 22-year-old returned to training this week after a calf injury and looks set for a recall after a five-match absence.

Russell has been sorely missed by Quakers, who have shipped 11 goals during his spell on the sidelines. And, while stand-in stopper Bert Bossu has borne the brunt of criticism from fans following several costly mistakes, Hodgson has not lost any faith in the Frenchman's ability.

"We will take another look at Sam and if he's in tip-top condition he will come back into contention," said Hodgson.

"If not, I will stand by my word and I have no worries about calling on Bert if need be."

However, Hodgson also admits that Russell's anticipated return may earn Bossu some much-needed respite.

"It's amazing because Bert was like a new player on the training ground on Thursday," said Hodgson. "I think there was a sense of relief that the pressure was off his shoulders with Sam on his way back.

"He made an error at Mansfield, but he wasn't the only one because there were mistakes all over the pitch without anyone getting punished."

Despite leaking goals, Hodgson's men extended their unbeaten run in the league to five games with last week's 2-2 draw at Mansfield.

But today, as Quakers prepare to welcome back Russell, Hodgson believes victory against the Us should be built on a firm defensive base.

"First and foremost I want a clean sheet, which is imperative," said Hodgson. "I want us to grasp that mentality and take it into every game because I know we're capable of scoring at the other end.

"If we don't keep clean sheets then we can change the system around, which I could justify."

While the Quakers' boss will make minimal changes this afternoon, the emergence of striker Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu has given Hodgson some food for thought.

For the third successive game, the 22-year-old came off the bench to score in the 2-2 draw at Mansfield last weekend.

Ndumbu-Nsungu has done little harm in staking his claim for a start but Hodgson is expected to stick with Simon Johnson and Akpo Sodje in attack.

Read more about the Quakers here.