DARLINGTON'S play-off hopes may be hanging by a thread but, with tonight's transfer deadline looming, manager David Hodgson is preparing for one final assault on League Two.

While many fans have written off a top-seven finish after Saturday's demoralising 5-0 home defeat to Carlisle, Hodgson is refusing to throw in the towel on Quakers' season.

With nine games remaining, Hodgson's men are seven points behind seventh-placed Peterborough with a game in hand.

Hodgson is keen to ensure he has a squad which is prepared for any eventuality.

"It would be nice to stick with what we've got but we have injuries," said Hodgson.

"There's nothing to say we won't win on Saturday and two or three above us lose.

"We need to prepared for that and that means having the right players."

Any future signings Hodgson does make will be through director of football David Jones, who has joined new chairman George Houghton at the club.

"The norm is to speak to your chairman about signing players but that will now go through David Jones," said Hodgson, who has renewed his interest in Nottingham Forest midfielder James Beaumont and will hope to push through a loan deal until the end of the season.

Hodgson has not given up hope of landing Walsall striker Taiwo Atieno and will speak to the League One side today.

Atieno impressed on trial last week and Hodgson is keen to sign the player on loan for the remainder of the season.

Freed Sunderland youngster Ian Graham has made a favourable impression after linking up with the squad recently and Hodgson will continue to monitor the teenager.

Graham will play in tonight's reserve game against Doncaster at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena (7pm).

Hodgson will check on the fitness of Matty Appleby (hamstring) and Joe Kendrick (groin) before making a decision on Robbie Stockdale. The former Middlesbrough defender's one-month loan expires today, with the 26-year-old due to return to Hull City.

"Robbie's future depends on the fitness of Matty and Joe," said Hodgson. "We need to make sure these lads are fit before we make a decision on Robbie.

* The club is hosting a fans' forum at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena tonight. Hodgson, Mark Proctor, skipper Matt Clarke and Youth Development Officer Mick Tait will be present to answer questions, along with Jones and executive director George Luke.

The evening begins at 7.30pm and is exclusive to season ticket holders only.

Read more about the Quakers here.