Darlington suffered yet another long term injury blow yesterday when Paul Campbell was ruled out until at least February.

Campbell picked up a groin injury in the win over Torquay a fortnight ago, and at first it was thought he would be back in action quickly.

But he hasn't responded to treatment, and further examination has revealed bad news.

"He will have to have an operation, which means he won't be playing again until at least February," said Bennett. "We thought he would only be missing for a couple of weeks originally. It is a major blow to us."

Bennett will also await news on Neil Aspin's head injury, suffered at Cardiff on Tuesday night.

"We are going to see what he's like tomorrow. He's got ten stitches and there's still a lot of swelling. There's a risk of the wound being re-opened."

Aspin remains very doubtful, and with Gary Himsworth and Paul Heckingbottom also out in defence, youngster Graham Liddle is likely to be called into the squad for tomorrow's tough test against second-placed Brighton.

Bennett, meanwhile, will today speak to Sunderland boss Peter Reid about extending midfielder Thomas Butler's loan spell. "Thomas has done really well for us since he came," said Bennett.

Bennett is still looking for a striker, and he revealed that he has missed out on Leon McKenzie, who has signed for Peterborough after leaving Crystal Palace.

The Quakers chief has also fined Stuart Elliott a week's wages as he starts a disciplinary clampdown.

Quakers have one of the worst disciplinary records in the League, with nearly 40 bookings and three sendings off this season, and if they continue at the present rate they could fall foul of the FA, as they did three years ago when they had a suspended fine placed on them for seven dismissals and over 80 bookings.

"The players must be disciplined, and stay out of trouble," said Bennett. "I know that our record isn't very good, but we have had people booked thisseason for trivial things because every little thing we do, our players seem to get booked, rather harshly sometimes in my opinion.

"We haven't had many players booked for dissent, but I don't think we're a dirty team. But the club must do something about it. The players must be ultra-clean."

Bennett and his side claim they have been treated harshly this season by some referees.

Elliott, who is unlikely to play in November while he serves a four- match ban, was shown his second red card of the season that night, and Bennett said: "I didn't see the incident, but I have read the referee's report. We can't tolerate that.

"Also, if any of my players injure another in the same way that Neil Aspin was by an elbow the other night, then they will be fined.

"I can only highlight so much - it's down to the players now.

Get more news and views from Darlington FC here.