DAVID HODGSON took his daring unpredictability to new heights at the weekend when he named defender Joey Hutchinson in a three-man Darlington midfield.

After the home defeat to Oxford United, Hodgson promised changes.

But few could have predicted Hutchinson would be part of the shake-up at the Memorial Ground.

The 23-year-old was only told on Thursday that he would be taking on the new role after Matty Appleby was ruled out with a groin problem.

Designated a central holding position - with Carlos Logan on the left and Anthony Peacock on the right - Hutchinson's defensive presence allowed Quakers the attacking impetus in a 4-3-3 formation.

And, to a large extent the job swap was effective, with Rovers posing little threat to the visitors' back-line.

It was only after a breakaway from a Quakers corner that the home side were given a flattering 45th minute lead.

"We just thought that Joey would give us that little bit more defensive cover, strength and height in front of the back four," explained assistant manager Mark Proctor.

"To be fair to him it was difficult because we only told him on Thursday that he'd be playing in midfield.

"There was another player earmarked for that role and when he got injured we had to think on our feet.

"We did a little bit with Joey on Thursday morning and he did fine so we went with it."

Hutchinson provided adequate protection for the back four, and from a defensive perspective, the Teessider did everything that was asked - intercepting balls and soaking up pressure before it even reached defenders behind him.

Accomplished defenders may be somewhat of a rarity at Darlington's level, but from the back, Hutchinson has breezed through the majority of his 60 starts with apparent ease.

But, in the rough and tumble world of League Two midfield scraps, he found the going a little bit tougher. Playing from the back four Hutchinson can bring the ball out with time to consider his options. But, on Saturday, the normally calm and composed defender appeared less assured on the ball, unnecessarily losing possession on several occasions.

"We told Joey to sit deep and pick things up from the back, which I thought he did well," said Proctor. "His passing could have been better, but on the defensive side of things he did exactly what we asked from him.

"He was caught out on a couple of occasions and I suppose he could have done with a bit more support from the players around him."

However, was Hutchinson utilised well enough to keep his place in midfield for the visit of Boston United tomorrow night?

With a five-hour bus journey home to the North-East on Saturday, Proctor and Hodgson will have had enough time to chew over their options.

On Saturday's evidence, it is more than likely that Hutchinson will resume defensive duties in a 4-4-2 formation, which Quakers reverted to midway through the second half at the Memorial Ground.

With Akpo Sodje a major doubt with a knee injury, Hodgson will pair Simon Johnson and Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu in attack.

But it is Hutchinson's resumption in the back four, which will give Hodgson and Proctor plenty to consider.

Do they keep faith with skipper Matt Clarke after another confidence-sapping performance or continue with the more assured presence of Shelton Martis alongside Hutchinson?

"We're at sixes and sevens over what to do next," admitted Proctor. "Our hands might be tied in some respects because of injuries to personnel."

Hutchinson's afternoon was brought to an end in the 68th minute when he was replaced by Jonjo Dickman as Quakers reverted to 4-4-2.

"We thought Jonjo would give us more going forward, which we needed when we were chasing the game," said Proctor. "It was more a tactical move rather than we'd took him off because he wasn't playing particularly well."

Read more about the Quakers here.