Darlington manager Gary Bennett yesterday ended a four-month chase by finally signing striker Kirk Jackson from Worksop Town.

Quakers have paid an undisclosed fee for 24-year-old Jackson, who has scored over 40 goals this season for Worksop and has helped to fire the Unibond Premier side into the quarter-finals of the FA Umbro Trophy.

Bennett has been chasing him since he was recommended by Chris Waddle last year, and he was turned down by the striker in November.

But the delighted Quakers boss finally persuaded Jackson to swap Trophy glory for the battle to survive in the Third Division.

"There were one or two other things which prevented the deal last year, but we have kept an eye on him since then," said Bennett.

"He has got the knack of scoring goals, which is a rare quality. You have to remember that the goalposts never move, and some people have the ability to score goals naturally. If you ask some of the great goalscorers, then they don't know how they do it themselves.

"We're missing somebody who can put the ball in the net. It will take him a little while to adapt to the Football League, but hopefully he can continue his scoring form."

Jackson, who has signed a 2-year deal, will see one familiar face in the dressing room, as Quakers recruited his former team-mate Adam Marsh last year.

It could well be the move that revives Darlington's flagging fortunes, as goalscoring has been a problem all season.

Glenn Naylor, despite having drawn a League blank since October, is still the club's top scorer in the League with five, while the team's last four goals have been two twice-taken penalties and two own goals.

It appears that Bennett is no longer pursuing his former Sunderland colleague Don Goodman, who has been freed by Motherwell.

"Don's wages are too high for us," said Bennett. Jackson's signing brings the total of newcomers in the last month to six, and it is still possible that Bennett may bring more new faces in before the transfer deadline near the end of this month.

One could be keeper Peter Keen, who impressed for the reserves on Wednesday in their 1-0 win at Wigan Athletic.

"We're looking for somebody as cover for the rest of the season, in case something happens to Andy Collett," said Bennett. Keen has played three times for Carlisle this season, and actually scored for them at Blackpool in October with a clearance from inside his own box.

He might be signed in time for Quakers' visit to Brunton Park tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Bennett has released midfielder Steve Walklate. The youngster made nine first team appearances for Darlington this season, but his last first team game was at Chesterfield on Boxing Day.

Darlington's youth team game at Burnley tomorrow has been postponed because of the foot and mouth epidemic. Burnley play their youth team games on National Trust land.

The departure time of the supporters club bus to Torquay on Tuesday has been moved forward from 12 noon to 11 am

l John Beck has been confirmed as the new manager of Cambridge United. He enjoyed phenomenal success with the the club during a previous spell after arriving at the Abbey Stadium in January 1990. His assistant will be Shane Westley.