QUAKERS' manager Gary Bennett stepped up his search for a reliable strike partner for the overworked Lee Nogan this week after his side's disappointing derby defeat at Hartlepool.

A bid to bring Jamie Coppinger back to Feethams on loan from Newcastle United failed, while Bennett allowed French forward Lehit Zeghdeane to return home.

But Quakers' striking problems are as much in midfield as up front, with a lack of invention and quality crosses leaving the front two battling against the odds.

Darlington were second-best for most of the match at Victoria Park, with Hartlepool United going ahead after just nine minutes when Adam Reed's woeful header left keeper Andy Collett stranded as Kevin Henderson flicked the ball into the net.

Quakers' hard-pressed defence had Collett to thank for keeping them in the game, but he had no chance on 65 minutes with Tommy Miller's 20-yard drive.

It was only in the last 15 minutes that Quakers threatened. Substitute Richard Hodgson should have scored from six yards, then he crossed for Glenn Naylor to score easily. Hodgson missed another chance in injury time.

The defeat left Quakers in eighth place in the Nationwide Third Division - still a point clear of their local rivals.

This week, Bennett's men have two home games to improve their position. Tomorrow, they entertain Torquay United, while on Tuesday night, Kidderminster Harriers are the visitors