Darlington manager Gary Bennett is about to raid his old club Sunderland in an attempt to solve Quakers' scoring problems.

Quakers have scored just 15 league goals this season, a failing which has seen them drop into the bottom half of table and missed several chances in Saturday's home defeat to Brighton.

And with only Glenn Naylor and Lee Nogan scoring in the league in the last six matches, Bennett is desperate to add some firepower.

Bennett won't reveal who he is chasing, but admitted: "I have a couple of things in the pipeline. Sunderland is a definite possibility, but I've also got another lad coming in from Scotland to have a look at.

"We need a striker, as we've said before. Micky Adams told me after Saturday's game that we battered Brighton, but couldn't put the ball in the net. They had one chance and took it.

"It's not as though they are difficult chances which we are creating - they are chances which should be put away."

However, any deal might have to wait until chairman George Reynolds returns from holiday and gives the go-ahead for the deal.

Bennett will also have to look at the unamed Scottish player in training, as the reserves don't have a game until next Wednesday.

Bennett has decided not to renew the contract of full back Carl Pepper, who immediately joined UniBond League club Blyth Spartans, and helped them to a 2-1 win at Droylsden on Saturday.

"He was only playing half a game for the reserves now and again," said Bennett. "I was just holding him back, so I thought it best for him to make a fresh start."

The youngster played in the first six games of the season two years ago, but didn't play again in the first team until the Worthington Cup win at Nottingham Forest back in September and again in the defeat at Bradford City.

l Hartlepool United boss Chris Turner is poised to clinch the signing of Mark Tinkler this week, writes NICK LOUGHLIN.

Financial difficulties may force Southend to off-load the tough-tackling midfielder 15 months after moving to Roots Hall.

Turner has held talks with the former Leeds man and a deal could be concluded in time for Saturday's trip to Scunthorpe.

Tinkler admitted: "I think something might be happening with Hartlepool this week.

"I don't want to leave Southend, but it is out of my hands and I might have to go."

Tinkler was signed by former York boss Alan Little and has kept his place in midfield since Little was replaced by David Webb last month.

But Southend are looking to cut their wage bill and Webb admitted: "Tinkler is an excellent player but the circumstances may mean that he has to move on.''

Turner could also be in the hunt for a striker with first choices Kevin Henderson and Anth Lormor sidelined with knee problems and Tim Sperrevik starting a two-game ban