CONCERNED Darlington boss David Hodgson is weighing up a loan move as he seeks a solution to their recent defensive problems.

Quakers have now shipped ten goals in three games after Tuesday's 4-0 mauling at struggling Shrewsbury Town. Subsequently, Hodgson's men have slipped from fifth in League Two to tenth after their third straight defeat.

Up until mid-November Quakers boasted the second best defensive record in the division behind promotion-chasers Swansea City.

But since Craig Liddle was sidelined last month after undergoing a double hernia operation, Quakers have struggled without the skipper's presence.

Hodgson has approached a club with a view to signing a young defender on a one-month loan, while released Grimsby Town full-back Dean Gordon has been linked with a move to the Williamson Motors Stadium.

Former Middlesbrough man Gordon parted company with the Mariners yesterday at his own request and is keen to play nearer his North-East home.

"I'm not sure whether bringing someone in right now will solve our problems," said Hodgson. "I have spoken to a club about a defender, but that's as far as it's gone.

"When you look at the bigger picture, long-term, we have Craig Liddle coming back in the new year, so that is something I have to take into account."

While Liddle's return will come as a welcome boost next month, Hodgson can not hide his frustration at the amount of shots keeper Sam Russell has had to save recently.

"People are being allowed shots on goal, which is why we're conceding," said Hodgson.

"We need to be quicker at closing down and that just hasn't happened in the last couple of games.

"When you look at the Rochdale game, they had 17 shots on target, which says it all really."

Hodgson has no fresh injury or suspension worries ahead of the New Year's Day clash at League Two leaders Scunthorpe.

The Iron extended their unbeaten run in the league to 11 games after they were held to a goalless draw by Notts County two days ago.

Striker Steve Torpey was sent off against County for kicking out at Julien Baudet.

Iron boss Brian Laws has lodged an appeal against the dismissal, although Torpey is likely to start a three-match ban by missing the game against Quakers.

Read more about the Quakers here.