Source: Northern_Echo
Fit-again Hatch to lead line
Darlington manager Mark Cooper is looking forward to having on-loan striker Liam Hatch leading the line at Gretna on Saturday.[LNB] A lacklustre showing against last season's Northern League champions Spennymoor Town on Monday exposed the lack of attacking options available to Cooper who is aiming to recruit a proven goalscorer before the Blue Square Bet Premier season gets under way at home to Newport County on August 14.[LNB] Chris Moore and Michael Smith's introduction in the second half at the Brewery Field added some bite to the Quakers attack after Tommy Wright and Chris Senior had struggled to trouble the Moors defence.[LNB] Cooper admitted that the game had left him with plenty of food for thought and confirmed his suspicions that his squad is lightweight in the striking department.[LNB] Cooper said: We have spoken to a couple [of targets] and you know what it is like, all of sudden you get a bit of encouragement and the deal can be done quickly.[LNB] Spennymoor played some lovely football and passed it about well and I'm sure they will have another good season.[LNB] They really impressed me and we expected it would be a good test for us.[LNB] But I have to say that we were a little bit disappointed with our attacking play. That has to be better at Gretna this weekend. There is certainly room for improvement, but this is what pre-season is all about.[LNB] Hatch's rapid return to fitness after dislocating his elbow at Workington last week is in contrast to Michael Brough's situation, with Cooper admitting he is concerned the midfielder's knee problem could force him to spend an extended spell on the sidelines.[LNB] Cooper said: It could be a couple of weeks but it could be a couple of months.[LNB] Meanwhile, Wright will be one of several first-team players in action during tonight's match at Northern League side Newton Aycliffe (ko 7.30pm).[LNB] Cooper will officially open Aycliffe's new stand before the game at Moor Lane Park when Wright, Senior and Curtis Main will be among the senior players in Quakers' lineup.[LNB] Aycliffe are coached by former Darlington midfielder Brian Atkinson, while fellow striker Danny Mellanby, another former Quaker, plays for the Northern League Division Two club.[LNB]
