FORMER Blackburn Rovers forward Graham Fenton is hoping to resurrect his career with Darlington after impressing in the reserves' 0-0 draw at Lincoln yesterday.

The Tyneside-born hitman has been training with the Quakers this week and manager Gary Bennett is taking a close look at him before making a decision on whether to sign him.

Fenton left Scottish First Division side St Mirren in June and contacted the Quakers requesting a trial.

"He did very well," said Bennett. "He's played at the highest level and it's just a case of getting his fitness level up.

"He's been training with us this week and he's got all the technical ability and awareness."

The 27-year-old began his career with Aston Villa before moving to Blackburn, where he scored his career's most noteworthy goals in 1996.

He fired home both goals in a 2-1 win over his boyhood heroes Newcastle - a defeat at Ewood Park which went a long way to denying the Magpies the Premiership title.

Fenton has since had spells with Leicester City, Walsall and Stoke City and previous Darlington boss David Hodgson was also interested in bringing him to Feethams.

Bennett fielded a strong side in the 0-0 draw at Lincoln, including Alex Jeannin, Adam Reed, Gary Pearson, Danny Mellanby, Paul Campbell and goalkeeper Frank van der Geest.

Clint Marcelle came through the last 30 minutes unscathed as he continues his recovery from injury, while Phil Brumwell played his first game of the summer following a hernia problem.

Star defender Craig Liddle knows the importance of Saturday's visit of Kidderminster Harriers, especially after losing the season's opening encounter at Southend.

Despite the 1-0 reverse, Quakers looked a lot more solid at the back after a shaky pre-season campaign.

"I think the lads are a bit more comfortable with a back four," said Liddle. "In pre-season we let a lot of goals in but on Saturday we looked reasonably solid, though it was a sloppy goal to give away."

Hartlepool United are still unsure whether or not the Mill House Stand will be open for Monday's Worthington Cup tie with First Division Nottingham Forest.

Pool handed proposals to the Safety Advisory Commitee yesterday, who accepted that if those were in place by 1pm tomorrow the stand could re-open for the tie, which is being screened live on ITV Sport.

Those proposals are understod to include the preparation of suitable walkways and the introduction of mobile toilets.

Tickets for the match are currently on sale, based on the assumption that the Mill House Stand will be open.

Pool spokesman Paul Mullen said: "If the stand is closed the fans who have bought tickets for there will be replaced in either the Town End or the Cyril Knowles Stand."

Pool reserves lost 3-2 to Rochdale yesterday, Anth Lormor and Adam Boyd scoring.

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