DARLINGTON manager Gary Bennett last night insisted it "isn't the end of the world" after the summer departures of last season's strike force - and promised plenty of firepower at Rochdale today

Bennett's side start the new campaign at Spotland with the majority of fans apprehensive following the exit of five of last May's Wembley team, including Marco Gabbiadini and Peter Duffield, who accounted for more than 40 goals between them.

But an enthusiastic Bennett is encouraged by the goals rush at Scarborough last weekend, when Quakers hit 19 in two games to win the Minster Carpets Cup.

And if they improve on a record of only one win at Spotland in the last decade in all competitions, some of the gloom among fans, who just over two months ago were watching a play-off final, will be lifted.

"We coped without Marco Gabbiadini last season when he was injured or suspended," said Bennett.

"He's gone and so have one or two others, but it's not the end of the world. I'd rather not rely on one person to score 28 goals a season. I'd much rather rely on two of the forwards getting 15 to 20 each. When Marco dried up last season we struggled.

"We showed last weekend we're capable of scoring goals throughout the team - there were goals from all over the place."

Bennett has certainly improved the morale of the players since taking over ten days ago,

He said: "I'm very pleased with the response of the players. They're all on a high and want to get stuck into the game.

"If they can produce what they have been doing in training and at Scarborough last weekend, then we won't be far away."

Despite the upheaval of the summer, and to the amazement of some Quakers' fans, their team is still ranked by many bookmakers as clear favourites for the title - a similar situation to four years ago after they lost to Plymouth.

Bennett, however, is non-committal, saying: "Ask me when we've played 46 games in May what I think about that tag."

Bennett has been in the game long enough not to get too carried away.

Quakers were involved in a physical game at Spotland last year and they will be prepared for a similar type of game today.

"I've told the lads what to expect. We know what it's been like at Rochdale in the past, so if it comes down to a battle, we're ready. And when we win that battle, then the football will come out.

"If we get a good result it will encourage the fans to come to our first home game."

Bennett isn't revealing his side or his proposed formation, but he said: "We've got a good squad of players who are all capable of doing a job.

"They all showed what they are capable of last week, so whoever plays I expect them to reach the same standard. They all want to be a part of things.

"They are also starting to understand what I want from them. But most of all, I want them to go out and play with a smile."