Source: Northern_Echo
Spennymoor Town 0 Darlington 0
Spennymoor Town 0 Darlington 0[LNB] Darlington manager Mark Cooper is hoping to sign at least two more players before the season starts after yesterday completing the capture of midfielder Paul Terry and versatile defender Kevin Austin.[LNB] The experienced pair have signed one-year deals but the boss last night declared his determination to recruit a right-back and another striker.[LNB] Darlington struggled against Northern League champions Spennymoor Town last night and were fortunate to emerge with a hard-fought 0-0 draw.[LNB] Moors were by far the better side in the first half with former England schoolboys captain Lewis Dodds showing why Leeds United are among the clubs monitoring his progress. Goalkeeper Sam Russell had to be at his best to deny Craig Ruddy and Michael Laws with a Jamie Chandler effort the best the Blue Square Bet Premier outfit could muster in reply.[LNB] The introduction of Curtis Main and Chris Senior gave Darlington more purpose after the break and they dominated the latter stages without managing to break down a stern defence.[LNB] We were looking for a tough workout and we knew they were a decent team at their level but I am disappointed with our performance, said Cooper.[LNB] We have had a little bit of a dip tonight in terms of quality and we looked a bit jaded and lacklustre. It has given me plenty of food for thought with ten days left until the start of the season. I couldn't tell you the best XI at the moment.[LNB] We've kept a clean sheet and weren't in too much danger but until the last 20 minutes we didn't create too much.[LNB] Cooper welcomed the arrival of Terry and Austin after revealing that Michael Brough's fitness is of serious concern. However, confirmation that Liam Hatch will be fit to face Gretna on Saturday provides a timely boost.[LNB] Cooper added: I felt that we needed a little bit of experience in the squad.[LNB] Michael Brough is looking increasingly like he might need an operation on his knee, he goes to see the surgeon again this week and Gary Smith has been struggling with his ankle. If we hadn't brought Paul in it would leave us with a very inexperienced midfield.[LNB] He knows the division, he can put his foot on the ball and we think he'll be an asset for us. Kevin Austin can play centre-half, left-back. The new boys are two players you don't have to worry about, they take care of themselves.[LNB] You know you'll get a consistent performance from them week in week out.[LNB] Spennymoor Town (4-4-2): Turns (Bishop 75), Mason ,Beesley, Stephenson; Laws, Dodds (Emms 83); Ruddy (Peacock 51), Hubbard (Beeston 61), Cronesberry (Richardson 51); Rae (English 61), C Smith (Welch 58).[LNB] Darlington (4-4-2): Russell (Jack 61); Arnison, Miller, Hone, Austin (P Gray 78), G Smith (Main 73), Chandler (McReady 46), Terry (Barnes 85), Werling (Main 46), Senior (Moore 61), Wright (M Smith 46). Sub (not used): Hopson Attendance: 574[LNB]
