Darlington last night signed two midfielders ahead of tomorrow's game with Oxford and both may play a part.

Former Hartlepool United favourite, Jon Cullen, and Phil Hadland, whose most recent club is Brighton, both agreed short term deals.

The pair will be looking to impress quickly as they have signed one-month contracts, having been released by their former clubs at the end of last season.

Like another Tommy Taylor signing, Ian Clark, Cullen has crossed paths with Quakers on several occasions in recent years.

He was a part of Pool's derby winning team in April 1997 then scored at Feethams five months later. In 1998 he made an unsuccessful move to Sheffield United, which cost the Blades £250,000 for just four substitute appearances, and his two-year stay at Bramall Lane was interrupted by loan spells with Halifax, Hartlepool and Shrewsbury, where he again played against Darlington.

He had been with Peterborough United for just over two years, playing against Quakers at Wembley in the 2000 play-off and in the 2-2 FA Cup draw in January.

Cullen, 29, earned his move to Sheffield United with some starring performances for Hartlepool under the wing of Mick Tait, and Taylor hopes he will be able to repeat that form for Darlington.

Taylor said: "Mick rates him highly and he's done very well in training.

"I think his best position would be centre of midfield, getting forward and getting a goal."

Taylor was more than satisfied with the capture of Hadland, 21, a winger he signed for Leyton Orient a year ago.

"I was surprised when I got a phone call saying he was available," said Taylor.

"His agent asked if I could have a look at him in a trial but I didn't want a look because I already knew what he could do."

Read more about the Quakers here.