Darlington manager Gary Bennett is hoping that the introduction of Steve Harper and David Brightwell will spark a much needed revival in the Quakers' bid to beat the dreaded drop.

The former Hull pair, who moved to Feethams on Thursday, go straight into the side to face Tony Cottee's Barnet at Underhill this afternoon hoping to upset a run of form that has seen the Quakers fail to pick up an away win since August.

Darlington are currently only three points above bottom club Exeter and defeat could see them drop closer to the basement, as Exeter are at third bottom York.

Bennett, however, has been boosted by the arrivals of Brightwell and Harper and is looking forward to seeing his new charges in action.

"The two lads from Hull have been a long time coming," he said.

"It hasn't been easy bringing players in, and I know for a fact that other managers in our division are facing the same problem.

"We have done well to get them, and now I hope that we can start winning games again."

Beleaguered boss Bennett believes the new signings will provide excellent cover throughout the squad.

He said:"They will give me a little more scope and more competition in the squad.

"Steve Harper, for example, can play down the left and the right, so he will provide excellent cover for any injured players.

"In some ways, we have been down to the bare bones in parts of the squad, and some players have become a little complacent. That should change now.

"We've also been playing right footed players in left sided positions, such as I had to do with Mark Kilty at Chesterfield, so David Brightwell will provide us with more balance and shape.

"Together, they will provide the experience we've been looking for."

Bennett has set a safety target of at least six wins from the Quakers' remaining games to ensure safety - a conservative estimate considering the fact that they face all the other clubs in the bottom six away from home.

"I know in my own mind how many points we need," said Bennett.

"We must start winning games. If we can do well over these next three matches - we've got Cheltenham and Macclesfield at home next week - then maybe we'll be looking at the top half of the table, instead of the bottom.

"I hope that the Barnet game is the start of the revival."

Brightwell's debut is timely, as star defender Craig Liddle is missing because of suspension, which means he will partner either Adam Reed or Mark Kilty.

However, there are be problems for Bennett in the centre of midfield, as Martin Gray yesterday failed a fitness test and Brian Atkinson is also struggling.

Traditionally Underhill hasn't been the happiest of hunting grounds for the Quakers in recent years.

And with just one away win on their travels this season, Quakers will do well to win there for the first time in six visits.

The man Darlington will have to be most wary of this afternoon is Barnet player-manager Cottee who has scored eight times for the club since he joined last year.

The former Everton and West Ham striker was playing in the Premiership this time last season for Leicester, and is still very sharp in front of goal.

Bennett said: "He's a very experienced professional, who knows where the goal is.

"He's always been like that throughout his career, so we must keep a close eye on him.