PLUS points were thin on the ground for David Hodgson yesterday - but the new Darlington boss admits the FA Cup humbling to non-league Hornchurch has answered some questions.

The Ryman League outfit ensured Hodgson's first game back in charge would be one to forget as they ran out 2-0 winners.

Hodgson is well aware of the task he is faced with and his immediate priority will be to halt an alarming slide which has now seen Quakers suffer eight straight defeats. And after witnessing his first 90 minutes back at the helm, Hodgson has plenty to contemplate before Saturday's visit of Lincoln City.

"I know it's going to be difficult but I needed a game to be able to assess everything," said Hodgson.

"I'm not going to say on one game exactly what we need to do in terms of which players we need to bring in.

"But by having a game under my belt now I'm aware that at certain times I will know what a player is capable of doing. There is a lot of work to do."

Hodgson conceded that his side were second best in everything, even when they were left chasing the game at 2-0 down.

He said: "Time and time again they won the headers, they won the second balls and that allowed them to keep control of the game.

"One or two questions have been answered for me."

One conclusion Hodgson can draw is that the need for team strengthening has never been greater.

And that, Hodgson feels, will be a task in itself with limited funds available.

"I have to ask certain people at certain clubs to help us out," said Hodgson, hinting towards loan moves for players from fellow North-East clubs.

"We need to bring players in from the area where there is no expense in terms of accommodation. I have to work for the football club and make sure I don't create more problems by bringing in players left, right and centre."

Hodgson has tried to sign both Brad Jones and Daniel Graham from Middlesbrough and admitted he hoped to sign Hartlepool goalkeeper Anthony Williams on loan ahead of yesterday's game.

Hodgson wanted Williams as cover, but will now turn his attentions elsewhere.

He also ruled out a move for Pool's Adam Boyd after he was made available for loan by Neale Cooper.

Read more about the Quakers here.