MARK PROCTOR admits Darlington's recent capitulation has drained morale, but insists a win over Boston United tonight will provide the perfect lift.

Proctor and manager David Hodgson took charge of training yesterday where not only was the focus on tactics, but an asserted effort to raise spirits.

Assistant manager Proctor last night revealed Quakers' recent poor run of results has had a negative impact on the squad.

Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Bristol Rovers extended Quakers' winless run to four games as Hodgson's men slipped into the bottom half of League Two for the first time this season. It was less than a month ago that a 2-1 win over Rochdale put Quakers second.

"The players have been feeling a bit flat since Saturday and we've had to lift them," said Proctor.

"We are all disappointed with the way things have been going, but it's important that we do everything to keep our spirits up.

"It's good that another game has come around quickly and it will be a chance to put things right.

"It wasn't that long ago that we were second in the table and people were talking about our promotion chances. Now, after two or three games, we're in the bottom half of the table and everybody is feeling down.

"All we need is a bit of good fortune for things to start going our way again and I'm sure we will be back up there."

A knee injury to striker Akpo Sodje at the weekend will ensure Quakers make at least one change this evening. Sodje was part of a three-man attack on Saturday and his absence could see Hodgson ditch the 4-3-3 formation after just one game.

The Quakers boss is almost certain to revert to two in attack, with Simon Johnson partnering Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu. Clyde Wijnhard may earn a place on the bench if he recovers from a calf problem in time.

Hodgson and Proctor have yet to decide on whether to revert to a 4-4-2 formation or re-introduce last season's much-maligned 3-5-2 system.

Hodgson is exploring the possibility of playing with three at the back, which would see Joey Hutchinson resume defensive duties alongside skipper Matt Clarke and Shelton Martis.

Proctor has already hinted that Hutchinson will play at the back tonight. But, if Quakers switch back to a 4-4-2, Hodgson must also decide on where to accommodate Clarke and Martis. The latter has played at right-back this season, but the Dutchman has been utilised best in his favoured central position.

"We have got a dilemma," admitted Hodgson. "Shelton is a very good central defender, which he showed at Bristol.

"He needs to be in the centre of defence, where I think he will be the biggest asset.

"But then we have Joey, who reads the game so well from the back. It's an interesting situation and any decision made will be in the best interests of the team."

Fifth-bottom Boston have had their own problems to contend with this season. The Pilgrims were tipped to feature strongly in the League Two promotion picture after signing Noel Whelan and Julian Joachim during the summer. However, after recording just one victory and with manager Steve Evans facing charges of fraud, the York Street club have been in turmoil.

"I know that Boston haven't been doing too well, but we only have to look at the Oxford game to warn us that this won't be an easy game," said Proctor.

"I'm sure they'll want to get back to winning ways, just like we do, which I think will make for an interesting game."

Evans is due to appear in front of Bow Street magistrates in London - along with secretary John Blackwell, former owner and chairman Pat Malkinson, current board member Brian James and former club book-keeper Ian Lee - charged by HM Revenue and Customs with conspiracy to defraud the public revenue.

But Evans is only concerned with Darlington.

"The case is possibly 18 months away, so there's no way it's going to interfere with my job as manager of Boston United," said Evans. "As far as I'm concerned, it's business as usual and we have more pressing matters - starting at Darlington.

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