DAVE PENNEY has conceded defeat in Darlington’s battle to re regain the services of loan strikers Liam Hatch and Danny Carlton.

The pair have missed the last three games after a question mark arose over the pair’s eligibility while Quakers are in administration, and Penney said: “I don’t think they will play again for us this season.

“Liam is in Peterborough now and Danny has gone back to Carlisle so as far as I’m aware I don’t think we’ll get them back.

“I still haven’t got a clearer picture to explain why they can’t play.

“We’ve just got to forget about them now and treat it as a bonus if they are able to play again.”

On Saturday Darlington are at home to title-chasing Brentford who can seal promotion with a win at Dagenham tomorrow.