DAVID HODGSON believes Darlington are in a lose-lose situation if they fail to progress to round two of the FA Cup at Barnsley this afternoon - financially and in terms of team morale.

The Quakers' boss has spent most of this week hammering home the message that, despite taking on opponents in a league above them, they can match their loftier rivals.

Aware of the financial and mental repercussions a defeat would have, Hodgson is determined his side will approach the tie in the right way.

Barnsley may be 33 places above Quakers on the league ladder but, according to the manager, it does not give his players any excuse for an early exit.

"We'll be classed as underdogs because we are in a division below them," said Hodgson. "But, in relation to our footballing ability, when we're at our best there will be nothing in it."

Given the financial rewards of the FA Cup - Quakers will receive £16,000 if they advance to the second round - Hodgson will not be taking today's game lightly.

He said: "I could adopt an attitude that we've got nothing to lose, but that would be negative.

"We've got everything to lose when you consider how much revenue the FA Cup generates. Losing in the first round can also have a negative effect on morale."

Quakers were knocked out at the first-round stage last season following a replay with Yeovil Town. Hodgson's men were just minutes away from the second round before a controversial late equaliser from the Glovers forced a replay. Ironically, Phil Joslin, who refereed both games, will take charge of today's tie.

"Those games still stick in the memory," admitted Hodgson. "The referee made an awful decision to move a free-kick forward and Yeovil ended up equalising to force a replay. The second game was a mere formality for Yeovil because the stuffing had been knocked out of our lads."

Brian Close, who was sent off in the first game against Yeovil, could figure for the first time this season after recovering from ankle surgery. However, the Irishman will have to settle for a place on the bench at best. Clark Keltie and Phil Stamp will both travel but neither are likely to feature.

Hodgson will make a late check on the fitness of David Duke. The 26-year-old suffered a head injury, which required eight stitches at Wrexham last weekend and Hodgson has admitted the former Sunderland full-back is struggling.

The Quakers' boss is also without defender Joey Hutchinson, who was sent off at the end of the controversial defeat at the Racecourse Ground seven days ago for dissent. Hutchinson serves the first game of a two-match ban.

Despite the absence of Hutchinson and Duke, Hodgson is expected to revert to four across the back.

"We still have plenty of options across the back-line," he insisted.

Simon Johnson, who made 11 loan appearances for Barnsley last season, is expected to continue in midfield.

Quakers' hopes of reaching round two will be put to the test by a Barnsley side which was unbeaten in five league games in October. That run has earned Tykes' boss Andy Ritchie the League One manager of the month award after guiding the South Yorkshire side to fifth in the table.

However, Ritchie's preparations have not been helped after Chelsea refused Barnsley permission to play on-loan defender Steven Watt.

"Bobby Hassell will come straight back into the side (for Watt) at centre half and that is the only change I am confirming at the moment," said Ritchie. "Darlington will expect that one and I would like to keep the rest a surprise."

In addition, midfielder Nick Wroe and defenders Paul Reid and Matt Carbon are all back in training after injury, but will not be risked this afternoon.

In the event of a draw today, a replay at the Darlington Football Stadium will take place on Tuesday, November 15. Kick-off 7.45pm.

Read more about the Quakers here.