DARRELL Clarke insists he won't let his goal drought affect his game.

The Hartlepool United midfielder has yet to hit the target this season, after ending the last campaign in style with five goals in ten games as he helped fire Pool into the play-offs.

But he would love to make his mark in Sunday's televised encounter at Bournemouth as table-topping Pool get the chance to impress on the national stage.

"I'm not letting it get to me, because I'm still getting chances and I know the goals will come,'' he insisted.

"I would have scored on Saturday but I got pulled back just when I was going to shoot - it was a definite penalty.

"And that's just the way it goes sometimes. It's not all about me putting the ball in the back of the net, but I know I will still get my fair share.

"I would like to get into double figures this season because I am playing in a really good team, but I would be happy with seven or eight. Last season I scored a few goals in a short spurt so the same might happen again this time.''

Pool have a new attacking option with the arrival of Marcus Richardson from Torquay and Clarke added: "I've only trained with him a little bit before Shrewsbury, but like everyone who comes here he will be welcomed by the squad and I'm sure he will fit in really, really well.

"He did quite well when he came on at Shrewsbury and caused a few problems for the defence.

"We've been looking for a big striker for a while, maybe since the back of last season when Tony Lormor was here.

"He adds an extra dimension to our game.

"We all know there is still a long way to go, that goes without saying, but we have played 12 games and are top of the league.''

Meanwhile, sidelined striker Gordon Watson insists he is on schedule for a December return to action.

He broke a leg against Darlington last month and has stepped up his recovery since having the plaster taken off.

The five-goal striker is training at Southampton each morning, working on upper body strength while he is exercising in a swimming pool to aid his recovery.

* Pool have taken delivery of a new batch of home shirts and they are now on sale in the club shop.

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