Darlington's search for a striker drags on after last night seeing their hopes dashed of signing Matthew Tipton - the third player to slip through Quakers' grasps this summer.

The Welsh forward has snubbed Darlington in favour of a move to Bury, leaving Quakers still on the lookout for a goalscorer.

After leading Macclesfield to last season's play-offs Tipton left the Silkmen this summer but despite holding talks with David Hodgson this week the 24-year-old has decided upon a move to Gigg Lane.

He has cited family reasons as a factor in his choice.

Despite Tipton's reasoning, his choice of Bury over Darlington is a huge blow to Quakers who have already this summer missed out on Mansfield's Colin Larkin, who joined Chesterfield instead, and winger Sam Aiston who wanted longer than a one-year deal.

A year ago Quakers suffered a fruitless summer of searching for firepower which ultimately did not arrive until the mid-season arrivals of Craig Hignett, Alun Armstrong and Clyde Wijnhard.

It meant starting the first ten games with Craig Russell and Matt Clarke as the front pairing, though Hodgson has plenty of time yet to avoid a similar scenario.

Meanwhile, two ex-Quakers have found new clubs with Bobby Petta signing a two-year deal at Bradford and Ian Clark offered a one-year deal at Scarborough.

There he will link-up with ex-Darlington full-back Chris Hughes at the McCain Stadium.

York City were also interested in the 30-year-old but he turned the Minstermen down.

Meanwhile, tickets are now on sale for Quakers' three home pre-season matches. There will be friendlies against Leeds United (July 20, 7.30pm) and Bradford (July 26, 7.30pm) as well as the Craig Liddle Testimonial Match against Middlesbrough on Saturday, July 23 (3pm).

Costing £10 and £5, the ticket office is open 9am-6pm, Monday to Friday and 10am-4pm on Saturdays as well as 10am-4pm this Sunday.

Read more about the Quakers here.