Darlington yesterday signed the Flying Postman to boost their fortunes.

Manager Gary Bennett yesterday signed 31-year-old striker John Williams on a contract for the rest of the season, after he was released by York City last week.

Williams was given his nickname after he was signed by Premiership club Coventry City for £250,000 from Swansea City eight years ago, afterstarting his career at part-time Cradley Town.

He went on to score 11 goals for the Sky Blues in the top flight before moving on to Wycombe for £150,000 and then played for Exeter and Cardiff, where he scored 18 goals in their promotion season two years ago.

He scored against Quakers in a 3-2 win for the Welshmen at Ninian Park in October 1998, and moved on York for £20,000 in the summer of 1999.

Bennett, who spotted Williams when he scored twice against Quakers' reserves last month in the Avon Insurance League, said: "He's a big lad with pace, who can score goals. Somebody who has got pace can hurt defences.

"I remember when we played against him two years ago, and he caused us problems all afternoon.

"Now that he's signed, we have several players who can play up front. We've already got David McMahon, Adam Marsh, Gary Williamson and Glenn Naylor, and that will give us more options."

There is also Kevin Kyle, but the youngster's injury against Luton will keep him out until at least the end of his loan spell next month, when Bennett will review his situation.

Meanwhile, Luton Town appear to be interested in Darlington midfielder Martin Gray.

The Darlington skipper was one of the few visiting players to come out of Tuesday night's defeat at Kenilworth Road with credit, and Luton boss Lil Fuccillo voiced his admiration of Gray's battling qualities in midfield in the two games.

Fuccillo has been given the go-ahead to strengthen his squad, and has targeted several possibilities as they try to climb away from the relegation zone in the Second Division.

Gray was given a new two-year deal during the summer, but Fuccillo is aware that Gray spent three happy years at nearby Oxford, and may tempt Quakers with a formal inquiry.

"We haven't heard anything at all," said Bennett. "If Luton do come in, then we'll sit down and discuss it. But it must be worthwhile, both for the club and Martin."

Bennett has another injury problem to worry about tomorrow against Lincoln City. Defender Neil Aspin is already out because of suspension, but now midfielder Gary Himsworth has a knee injury and missed training yesterday.