Story by Kevin Luff - 7th April 2006

Ahead of this weekend's trip to bottom of the table Torquay United Darlington manager David Hodgson has played down his role in the recent up turn in results and says that it is invariably down to the players. Quakers have an excellent opportunity on paper to press on for a play-off spot that was looking unlikely just two short weeks ago.

So many times in the past however a Darlington side has passed up chances like these. After the efforts to get back into the hunt Hodgson admits he is not even contemplating what a slip up will do at this crucial point in the campaign. Ahead of the long journey to Devon the manager has urged his player to grab the chance that now hangs before them.

"We can talk about it as much as we want but it is what is being been discussed in the changing room between the twenty players who represent the football club. Many managers will come to the forefront when things are going well and say I'm this that and other. You know what it isn't," said Hodgson. "You play a part in it but invariably it is because players have gone out with a spot on frame of mind and have been prepared. If you do that you are in with a chance, however we think we do that every week and we don't always win. It is about this group of players looking at the circumstances, the games remaining, the opportunity they have in front of them and as a group saying 'Let's grab it'."

Darlington are not the only taking on opposition below them on Saturday. The teams immediately above them are all in action against sides ranked lower than themselves in the League two standings. Peterborough, Lincoln City and Bristol Rovers take on teams currently lying in 17th position (Bury), 12th position (Mansfield Town) and 23rd position (Rushden) respectively. Despite so many teams being seemingly so inconsistent surely one of the teams in the hunt for the remaining play-off spot will take full advantage - Hodgson is hoping it is his side.

"Lets hope it is us," said Hodgson. "How the lads have prepared for the game will be seen on Saturday night and Sunday morning. I think what we are doing now is right. We are going down very early, we will prepare properly tonight, we'll do something tomorrow just to remind them all and then put them out on the field and say 'Go and produce again.' I want a better performance than I got at Rochdale. That is what I want. I know we won at Rochdale but I was concerned with some aspects. I want a better performance."

The main concern with the performance at Rochdale was the midfield area. Quakers at times failed to get close enough to their opponents. Clark Keltie will be back in contention for a place in the side after serving a suspension and if he does take part in the game he will surely help add some more bite and close challenges to keep Torquay on their toes. Midfielder Jonjo Dickman however will not figure - he has failed to recover from an ankle injury and does not travel. Hodgson had yet to finalise his plans on departure today but admits he will make 'a change or two'.

Torquay last came up Quakers in early January, just after the New Year. Manager Leroy Rosenior has become a casualty to their disappointing season since then but the Gulls gave a hugely favourable account of themselves during Darlington's 3-2 victory at the TFM Arena. To see them still at the foot of the table scrapping for their lives could be considered something of a surprise. However when you are down there it is difficult to get away and Hodgson will be hoping his players can make the most of it.

"They are a lovely little footballing side," admitted Hodgson this morning. "They lacked some physical presence when they played up here. I am sure Ian Atkins and John Cornforth will of late have tried to put that right. Again however we can talk about Torquay all we want. It is irrelevant. It is all about us."

Torquay will be missing James Sharp for their game. Meanwhile Mattie Hewlett is doubtful having picked up a back strain in a midweek reserve match at Tiverton for the Gulls.

Last ten meetings against Torquay

Torquay's last five games

01-04-06	Rushden	1-1	Torquay	League 2
18-03-06	Wycombe	0-1	Torquay	League 2
11-03-06	Torquay	1-0	Peterborough	League 2
07-03-06	Chester City	1-1	Torquay	League 2
25-02-06	Torquay	0-2	Mansfield	League 2