QUAKERS are hoping Hartlepool old boy Paul Beavers can prove the missing link in attack as they take on their derby rivals tomorrow.

The big striker, who played against Darlington in last season's play-off semi-final, made an immediate impact when he came off the bench against Carlisle United on Saturday. He unsettled the Cumbrians' defence, before neatly bringing down a cross and firing home a low shot for the winner with three minutes remaining.

With the visitors happy to concentrate on defence, Quakers found chances hard to come by. Indeed, it was Carlisle who came nearest to scoring when a close-range header by former Darlington player Anthony Carss was kicked off the line by Martin Gray.

The 1-0 win left Quakers in fifth place with the best defensive record in the division, but also one of the worst scoring returns.

For the Pool game, Gary Himsworth, Neil Aspin, Craig Liddle and Jesper Hyorth are all expected to be fit