Darlington'S major priority over the summer was to find a goal-kicker, and in fact they recruited four. But already the first choice has deserted them.

After his fourth penalty of the match secured the 17-16 win at Bedford Athletic two weeks ago, 24-year-old centre Andrew Turner decided to return to Horden.

The position should not be difficult to fill as coach Craig Lee is back in training after his knee operation, but there is concern that the goal-kicking problems of the last two seasons might resurface.

Lee said: "It's disappointing because Andy had settled in quite well and had his best game at Bedford. It seems he was missing the social life, and if he doesn't want to play national league rugby that's up to him.

"He came with a goal-kicking pedigree and we'll probably now look at using David Kell as our first-choice kicker."

Kell, 19, was recruited from Gateshead and has been playing at full back. Winger Lee Davis, signed from Middlesbrough, can also kick and is back in training after missing the last two games through injury.

There are other options as winger Marc Potts topped 400 points in a season for the club four years ago and is back in the first team frame after injury problems. David Glendenning could also do the job if he successfully resumes his comeback after his current holiday.

Neither Darlington nor Mowden Park played last Saturday after their first round exits from the Powergen Cup, but are back in National Three North action tomorrow. Mowden will expect to win at home to Bedford Athletic and have been boosted by the arrival of 19st South African lock Naude Pretorius. He made his debut for the second team last Saturday in a narrow defeat at Blaydon.

Darlington make their fourth long trip of the season, visiting Dudley Kingswinford, but will not have to travel as far again this season. Dudley are the one team below them, so another win would be very welcome. Contenders to fill the gap left by Turner until Lee is fit include Tosh McIntee and youngster Fraser Monaghan, who impressed for the seconds against Sunderland last week.