Former Darlington striker John Campbell yesterday returned to professional football by signing a short-term deal with Oxford United.

The 26-year-old has been a regular scorer this season for Jarrow Roofing in the Ebac Northern League, hitting 24 goals in 19 games, and caught the eye of several Football League clubs.

He impressed in a trial game for Oxford last week and has now signed a deal lasting until the end of the season.

He said: “I came down and had a look at the club and the facilities a couple of weeks ago and was very impressed by everything.

"Not just the set up but the attitude here; everything and everyone is really positive.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for me to be playing in the Football League again and I can’t wait to get started.”

Campbell joined Darlington in January 2011, when the club were in the Conference, after leaving Newcastle Benfield. But after 12 months during which he played in the side which won the FA Trophy at Wembley, the forward returned to the Northern League.

Oxford head coach Michael Appleton said: “I know a lot of clubs have been looking at him this season and I think it speaks volumes that he has come here.

"He has been scoring plenty of goals and gets in great positions and we are delighted that he has chosen to join Oxford United."

Campbell was in the youth systems of both Manchester City and Newcastle United as a teenager.

Another former Darlington forward on the move is Ian Ward. He last night joined Spennymoor Town from West Auckland, his fourth transfer of 2014.

He moved to Quakers towards the end of last season from Durham City, then in the summer had a short spell with Celtic Nation before moving to West.

Meanwhile, Darlington are at Heritage Park tomorrow against Lancaster City, and manager Martin Gray still hopes to bring in a defender to cover for suspensions.