SINCE opening its doors for the first time in August 2003, there has been little to get excited about at Darlington's new state-of-the-art home.

In the 67 games played at the stadium on Neasham Road, few have captured the imagination of the Darlington public.

With the exception of the 11,600 who watched Quakers break into their new salubrious surroundings with a 2-0 defeat to Kidderminster Harriers over two-and-a-half years ago, big-game occasions have been hard to come by.

When they have, they have ended in disappointment. Last season, on the back of three wins from four in December, 7,028 watched Quakers capitulate to Rochdale in a 3-0 reverse.

The 25,000 all-seater arena former chairman George Reynolds built has rarely been more than a sixth full and even today there will be more empty red seats than supporters when Carlisle arrive in their hordes.

The Cumbrians are expected to bring in excess of 3,000 fans across the Pennines for what is arguably the biggest game in Darlington's short history at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena.

The visit of league leaders Carlisle is the closest either side have to a derby this season and the stakes are high.

While the Cumbrians hold the most slender of leads at the top, tenth-placed Quakers are five points outside the play-off zone.

"This game is the be all and end all of our season," acknowledged Hodgson. "Since we left Feethams I don't think there has been a bigger game for the club."

Carlisle arrive in the North-East on the back of three wins which have taken them to the League Two summit.

But, with promotion aspirations of their own, Hodgson knows that victory over the in-form Cumbrians would not only instil confidence for a crucial run-in, but also keep the heat on their rivals.

He said: "I know there are another nine games to go after Saturday, but if we beat Carlisle we only need one or two of those above us just to slip up and we're back in it.

"Bristol Rovers and Wrexham lost during the week and because of that we're back in the fold."

Hodgson's men made hard work of their 1-0 win over struggling Chester seven days ago but the Quakers boss is upbeat ahead of today's crucial clash.

"I know we're capable of beating Carlisle and if we do that we have taken six points from our last two games, which would put us in a great position," said Hodgson.

Walsall striker Taiwo Atieno will not be joining Quakers in time to be considered today.

Hodgson's hopes of signing the 20-year-old have hit a snag after Walsall insisted on a call-back clause.

"We will re-open talks on Monday with Walsall," said Hodgson. "They are keen to let him go for a month but we would prefer to have him until the end of the season."

On-loan duo Andy Cooke and Jemal Johnson will continue in attack this afternoon.

Clark Keltie begins a four-match ban after picking up his second red card of the season against Chester City last weekend.

Keltie's absence could see Hodgson hand a professional debut to 19-year-old midfielder Mark McLeod.

"The kid's in the frame," said Hodgson, who will revert to a flat four across midfield. Against Chester seven days ago Hodgson employed a diamond formation, with Anthony Peacock playing behind the front two and Keltie operating as a central defensive midfielder.

"It just became a little bit congested in there and that's why we decided to go back to a normal 4-4-2," explained Hodgson.

Carlisle will include former Hartlepool United full-back Paul Arnison in their starting XI this afternoon.

While the Cumbrians have failed to beat Quakers in their last 15 league attempts, Arnison has his own score to settle.

In the six games the 28-year-old played against Darlington in a Pool shirt, the Hartlepool-born player was on the winning side on just two occasions.

"It's been a long time since we beat them and we definitely owe them one," said Arnison.

Former Sunderland striker Michael Bridges will start for Carlisle, alongside 20-goal leading scorer Karl Hawley. Bridges came close to signing for Quakers in January, before opting for a move to Brunton Park. He has scored ten goals in 17 appearances for the Cumbrians.

Read more about the Quakers here.