DARLINGTON boss David Hodgson believes victory at Shrewsbury this afternoon will provide his side with the perfect pick-me-up.

Just 48 hours after Quakers produced arguably their worst performance of the season against Rochdale, Hodgson is seeking the right response from his players at Gay Meadow.

Hodgson has vowed to ring the changes after admitting he was partly to blame for the Boxing Day debacle, watched by Quakers' biggest crowd, 7,028, of the season.

The boss revealed he ignored advice from assistant manager Mark Proctor by playing with three defenders - instead of four - against Rochdale's three strikers.

"It's probably best that the game has come around so soon because it doesn't give us much time to dwell on the Rochdale game," said Hodgson.

"I took the blame for the Rochdale result and now I have to put it right.

"We have to go into the Shrewsbury game in a positive frame of mind. If we believe in ourselves then we will come away with the right result.

"We let our fans down on the big occasion against Rochdale so it's up to myself and the players to make it up to them."

As third-bottom Shrewsbury are likely to play with a 3-5-2 formation, Hodgson is expected to stick with three at the back.

Skipper Neil Maddison was rested against Rochdale and will return to the side, possibly at the expense of Clark Keltie.

"With four games in eight days we chose not to gamble with Maddo because he's had a slight problem with his Achilles," revealed Hodgson.

Hernia victims Stephen Thomas and Craig Liddle are expected to return in three weeks.

Shrewsbury boss Gary Peters is without suspended duo Martin O'Connor and Darren Moss, while Luke Rodgers is ruled out through injury. Ryan Lowe faces a late fitness test.

Former Sunderland striker Sam Aiston is likely to start on the bench after recovering from injury. Stuart Whitehead will face his former club for the first time since leaving Quakers for Telford United at the beginning of last season.

Shrewsbury's Boxing Day match at Bury was postponed after their team coach was held up in traffic on the M6. They are unlikely to face any action from the FA.

Groundstaff have been clearing ice from the Gay Meadow pitch. The club are confident the game will get the go-ahead.