Darlington manager Gary Bennett is giving a trial to three players as he tries to strengthen his squad for the new season.

Bennett, whose managerial career in charge of the first team got off to a flier with victory in the Minster Carpets Cup, is looking for new blood with the season fast approaching.

But regardless, he feels that his current squad of around 20 players can make a positive impact on the division this season, especially after the aggregate 19-0 win showing - albeit against weaker opponents - at Scarborough over the weekend.

"I would like to give all 20 of them a game at Rochdale," he said. "But unfortunately I can only start with 11.

"I was delighted with the performances over the weekend, but I'm always looking to improve the team.

"If I see somebody who I think will improve the team, then I'll try and bring them in, but they have to be of a good calibre.

"The squad did very well at the weekend, and their response was magnificent.

"I haven't made my mind up yet what my best team is, and I'll be thinking about that later in the week.

"If you look on paper at the squads in the Third Division, I'd rather have my squad than some of the others in the division.

"But that's only on paper - they must continue to show the same workrate, and work as a team."

There is a defender and a striker amongst the triallists, who could also get a run out in Quakers' next friendly tomorrow at South Shields.

However, Bennett's search for a keeper as cover for Andy Collett goes on, as Paul Musselwhite, who was on trial in the Isle of Man, won't be coming.

"I'll be looking for a keeper over the next couple of days, but I'm not too anxious."

One more plus from the weekend was full back Paul Heckingbottom, who suffered no reaction to the groin injury which troubled him near the end of last season.

Heckingbottom played the first half against Siol, and the full 90 minutes against Scarborough.

Meanwhile, the club's public relations director Luke Raine has revealed that the club don't intend holding any interviews for the manager's position.

"As far as we're concerned, in essence, the job is Gary's," he said.

"We're really pleased with the start he's made, and the way we've turned the corner over the last few days. We're delighted for him, and we hope that the fans back him."

Meanwhile, Raine is holding a supporters meeting tonight at the Oak Tree pub in Newton Aycliffe, beginning at 7.30.

There are still tickets left for the first game of the season at Rochdale on Saturday, which is all ticket to Darlington fans because of refurbishment work going on at Spotlands.

And tickets go on sale Thursday and Friday to season ticket holders for the Nottingham Forest game in the Worthington Cup in a fortnight's time. Prices are £10 and £6 in the East Stand, and £7 and £4 for concessions.

l FORMER Middlesbrough star Paul Gascoigne scored his first goal in an Everton shirt - a sensational long-distance effort - as Third Division Plymouth were defeated 5-0.

Everton were already 1-0 up when Gascoigne beat keeper Jon Sheffield with a superb dipping volley from out on the right-hand touchline which probably travelled 35 yards before finishing in the opposite corner.

Sheffield managed to get a palm to the ball but there was no stopping Gascoigne's 27th-minute opportunist strike