DAVID HODGSON insists that all is far from lost this season and once Darlington click there will be few teams to stop them in League Two.

Hodgson's under-performers meet Rushden & Diamonds at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena this afternoon, as pressure mounts on the Quakers' boss to turn their ailing fortunes around.

Quakers have recorded just two wins from their last 12 league outings and have slipped out of promotion contention. They now lie five points outside the top seven in 13th place.

Hodgson said earlier this week he had "never thought twice" about walking away from the club, despite their recent malaise.

And, given the rate at which the club has progressed since Hodgson returned to the managerial helm two years ago, the 45-year-old maintains a top-seven finish is still attainable.

Hodgson was part of Bob Paisley's Liverpool side, which, despite winning just five of their opening 11 league games, went on to claim the First Division title in 1983, finishing 11 points ahead of second-placed Watford.

A run of 19 wins from 24 games which propelled the Reds back into championship contention. And, while Hodgson does not expect such a dramatic turnaround from his beleagured side, he is keen to emphasise how much impact a winning run can have.

"There's nothing to say we can't go on a run of four or five wins but at the moment we don't have the belief that we can do that," said Hodgson.

"I've been at Sunderland when we were rock-bottom and Lawrie McMenemy found it very difficult to lift everyone, but there was a mis-fit of players. It was the same at Sheffield Wednesday when Peter Eustace was in charge and it went stale.

"At Liverpool, we were in the bottom half of the table but we went on to win the league. They had some great players and once it clicked, off we went.

"At the moment some players at Darlington aren't quite grasping the situation and that's why I've gone back to scratch again. Once we start winning again we'll restore some belief and hopefully build a good run."

While much has been made of their profligacy in front of goal, the Quakers' boss is equally agitated by the amount of points sacrificed through defensive lapses.

He said: "How many times to do we need to be punished before they understand what they're doing wrong?

"I've lost count of the amount of times this season where individuals have cost us games. They need to go out on a Saturday afternoon and be counted on, without making bog-standard errors."

Despite their recent demise, five of Quakers' six league defeats this season have been by 1-0 scorelines. The entertaining 1-1 draw with title-chasing Wycombe Wanderers' a fortnight ago was followed by the single-goal defeat at struggling Macclesfield.

It is that inconsistency which sees Hodgson becoming increasingly agitated by Quakers' failure to build on encouraging performances.

"The players fill me up with so much hope, then they go and kick me in the teeth," said Hodgson.

"I've lost games over the years which have bothered me but the Macclesfield game hurt more than anything, so much so that my personal life that weekend suffered horrendously.

"We have so much belief in them, but when will the penny drop?"

In deciding against adding to his squad on Thursday's emergency-loan deadline, Hodgson further demonstrated the faith he has in his current crop of players.

Hodgson enquired about Danny Graham's availability this week, before the Middlesbrough striker joined Derby County on loan.

Hull City midfielder Russell Fry was also a target, but the 19-year-old will be involved for Peter Taylor's men at Queens Park Rangers this afternoon.

"The players have to respect that the manager hasn't gone out for replacements two months before he said he would," said Hodgson.

"It was always my priority to sign Danny Graham but I decided against it because I think the squad we have is good enough to be in the top seven.

"From now until January (when the transfer window re-opens), the players have to show that they have the same belief as me."

Hodgson could hand a recall to Akpo Sodje this afternoon after the striker returned to training this week after a thigh injury. Defender Joey Hutchinson remains sidelined with a calf problem, while Phil Stamp is still short of match fitness and will not be considered.

Clark Keltie is available after serving a one-match ban, but may have to settle for a place on the bench. Matty Appleby is a major doubt after picking up an ankle injury in training.

Fifth-bottom Rushden will hand a start to former Quakers striker Alun Armstrong. The 30-year-old, who scored 11 goals for Darlington last season, moved to Nene Park last month after Hodgson failed to offer the Tynesider a new contract at the end of last season.

Read more about the Quakers here.