DAVID HODGSON made one last concerted attempt to save Darlington's season by completing a double swoop on transfer deadline day.

James Beaumont and Taiwo Atieno yesterday became Hodgson's 11th and 12th signings since the beginning of the season and go straight into the Quakers squad to face Barnet tomorrow.

If the duo appear at Underhill they will be the 35th and 36th players to have been used by Hodgson this season.

The Quakers boss has not given up hope of reaching the play-offs, and he hopes the arrival of Beaumont and Atieno will help prepare for that eventuality.

Both players arrive on month-long loans, although it is probable that the pair will remain until the end of the season.

Former Newcastle United trainee Beaumont returns to the North-East on the recommendation of assistant manager Mark Proctor. "I know James very well from his Academy days at Newcastle," he said. "We had him over at Middlesbrough when he was 16 and he was very highly thought of.

"He hasn't managed to break through at Forest, but hopefully their loss is our gain. We've brought in to bolster the squad and have a closer look at him."

Walsall striker Atieno has returned to Darlington after recovering from a thigh strain.

The 20-year-old scored for Quakers' reserves against Lincoln last week, but his trial was cut short by injury.

Atieno has scored at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena, while on loan at Rochdale last season. The London-born forward netted five goals in 14 starts on loan at Kidderminster earlier this season.

With Joe Kendrick fit to face Barnet, Hodgson Robbie Stockdale has returned to Hull City.

Stockdale made three appearances for Quakers and Proctor said: "It's unfortunate for Robbie, because he was just beginning to get some rhythm. But, with Joe available, we've had to let him go back to Hull."

Bert Bossu yesterday ended his association with the club following the cancellation of his contract by mutual consent. The French goalkeeper has not appeared for Quakers since breaking his foot against Barnet in December and conceded 16 goals in nine appearances.

* Leyton Orient have signed Scunthorpe winger Wayne Corden on loan until the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Macclesfield are set to complete the loan signing of Chester's Marcus Richardson until the end of the season.

Defender Kevin Sandwith, initially targeted by Chester as part of a swap deal, is staying at Moss Rose.

Read more about the Quakers here.