TWO consecutive defeats may have done little to enhance any lingering hopes of securing a play-off place but, ever the optimist, manager David Hodgson thinks otherwise.

Despite conceding five at home to Carlisle a fortnight ago and last week's defeat at relegation-threatened Barnet, Hodgson believes Quakers' top-seven prospects have actually improved.

The five-point gap which preceded the Carlisle game has increased to seven.

But, with a game in hand over three of the four sides above them, including Lincoln, Hodgson believes Quakers are in a superior position now than they were after beating struggling Chester three weeks ago.

"I said we had to win two on the bounce, against Chester and Carlisle, because I genuinely believed that sides around us would drop points," said Hodgson.

"But, the most amazing thing is, we're slightly better off now than we were two weeks ago.

"All the teams who had games in hand have lost them and now we have a game in hand on sides above us."

Even after losing five of their last six games, Quakers remain outside contenders to clinch seventh spot.

"It's ironic that it's somehow swung around in our favour. I don't want to look too much into that but that's how stupid it is," added Hodgson.

"We're seven points adrift with a game in hand and we could reduce it to four points with a game in hand."

Hodgson will resist the temptation to make sweeping changes to his starting XI, despite last Saturday's defeat at Barnet.

"I would like to make minimal changes," said Hodgson. "I normally name the team on Thursday, but the reason I haven't this time is because there is one area of the field I'm still not comfortable with."

With one goal scored in their last five outings, Hodgson's comments would suggest changes to his misfiring front line.

Quakers were far from their best at Underhill but only some poor finishing cost them what would have been a deserved point in north London.

In 38 games, Quakers have recorded the fewest shots (140) on target in League Two.

"We've created enough chances but we just haven't been able to put the ball in the back of the net," insisted Hodgson.

"If we'd have come out of the last five games without creating any chances then I would hold my hands up, but we haven't.

"We never took our chances against Carlisle and I think that cost us at least a point. The teams who have players to stick the ball in the back of the net are above us."

Jemal Johnson and Andy Cooke are expected to keep their places, although Hodgson is ready to adjust in midfield to combat Lincoln's direct approach.

"I can have a little tinker with my forward line but it's the midfield that concerns me," said Hodgson.

"Lincoln tend to miss out midfield a lot so we need a system, which is able to retain possession first and foremost."

On-loan Nottingham Forest midfielder James Beaumont was an unused substitute at Underhill and comes into contention, while Anthony Peacock is also vying for a start.

After beating Grimsby 5-0 seven days ago, Lincoln slipped out of the play-off zone after losing 1-0 at Carlisle on Tuesday night.

With their own top-seven aspirations hanging in the balance, Lincoln boss Keith Alexander expects a good test of their credentials this afternoon.

The sides, who meet for the 100th time in the league today, played out a 2-2 draw at Sincil Bank on New Year's Eve.

"Darlington are an unpredictable side and that's what makes them dangerous," said Alexander. They can go five or six games without getting a result then, all of a sudden, beat the top sides convincingly. On their day, they can beat anybody in this division and we will have to be mindful of that. David Hogdson has done a terrific job there - he knows a lot of players because he used to be an agent before he was the manager. He has a lot of contacts and has made some very good signings."

Read more about the Quakers here.