Darlington manager Gary Bennett is urging his players to follow his example at Victoria Park this afternoon.

Quakers go to Hartlepool for the first Division Three derby of the season, looking to add to their play-off double over Pool in the spring.

But there have been question marks over Quakers' ability to start games well this season - in their last five league and cup away games, the opposition have scored first.

And Bennett knows the value of a bright opening in a derby game - he scored Darlington's first goal in their 3-2 win at Victoria Park 18 months ago.

"It will be important to start well," said Bennett. "No disrespect to Hartlepool, but if we start the game well then I've got no doubts that we'll win.

"Our defensive record is very good this season, apart from one game in the Worthington Cup at Bradford.

"Some people think that we're a weaker team than we were last season because of the departures of players like Marco Gabbiadini and Steve Tutill, but I think they'll be in for a pleasant surprise.

"If we get three points, then we're up and running. A win can give everybody another boost to their confidence, especially with two successive home games coming up.

"Hopefully, Hartlepool will come at us a little bit, which should enable us to play. Our home games against Carlisle and Barnet were very difficult, in that teams just packed their defence and made it difficult for us.

"We know that it's going to be a hard game, so it will be up to us to match them. It might also get a little bit physical, so we'll have to be ready for that.

"Both sides are obviously looking for a win, but if the game ends in a draw, then we'll be the happier side."

Quaker's problem this season has been scoring goals. They have scored twice on just one occasion in the league this season, and that was back in August at Southend. Only two sides have scored less than them in the Third Division, but so have Premiership leaders Leicester City.

On the plus side, only four clubs in England have conceded fewer goals than them in the league.

Craig Liddle, Gary Himsworth and Jesper Hjorth should all be fit, while Neil Aspin has recovered from flu. Glenn Naylor could also return to the midfield after a one-match ban.

Midfielder Brian Atkinson, who has yet to play a full game for the first team this season, could be on the bench.

Bennett was yesterday unable to bring striker Jamie Coppinger to Feethams, but is hoping to make a breakthrough next week.