Darlington manager Gary Bennett yesterday revealed his deep frustration at Quakers' lack of scoring power as he prepares for a meeting with chairman George Reynolds.

Bennett could only watch helplessly as Quakers squandered several chances to end their losing run against Halifax, adding to the pressure for this Saturday's FA Cup tie with Sudbury.

"I'm as frustrated, if not more, than the fans," he said."We are going through a bad spell.

"We're trying to find the right combination up front, but it's a case ofsomebody in the team putting the ball in the back of the net.

"Saturday was a prime example. We're wanting to be pretty all the time, insteadof being ruthless in the opposition box.

"I can understand why the supporters are frustrated, but so am I. I'm like a jack in the box in the dugout when we put the ball in the opposition box.

"I want the players to hit the ball when there's a chance, and I wonder how we miss, or the ball is blocked.

"The supporters have a right to have a go at us, but it isn't a case of the players not trying when they go on the field.

"The players are giving me 100 per cent - nobody goes on to the field deliberately to have a bad game. If we were playing badly, then I would be feeling worse.

"Saturday's game was probably the worst this season in front of goal, because some of the players were hesitant, and that's down to confidence.

"The chances we have been creating are easier than the opposition's, but we hit the woodwork, the keeper makes a save, or we just miss."

Bennett defended striker Lee Nogan, who came in for criticism from the crowd before he was substituted on Saturday.

"If he doesn't score, then people think he is having a bad game. But he is working very hard otherwise, and the only thing he is lacking is a goal."

A striker will probably be on the agenda when Bennett meets Reynolds.

But there's no chance of it being Marco Gabbiadini, who has failed to command a regular place at Northampton since his summer move.

"There are one or two things we have to clear up," said Bennett, who said that he has a "very good" working relationship with the chairman.

What does seem certain is that Bennett will have to move players out, before he is able to bring in new faces. And whether he will be allowed to spend money on new faces - a complete change in policy - will probably be one of the points discussed.

If he does sign any new players, they will be unable to play against Sudbury because of the seven day qualification rule.

Darlington's youth team try again at York City tonight in their FA Youth Cup first round repla