Darlington will be hoping they can quickly find some finishing power as they try to kick-start their season with two home games in three days.

The Quakers take on Kidderminster Harriers at Feethams tomorrow and then first division Sheffield United in the first round of the Worthington Cup on Monday night.

Last Saturday's opening Nationwide Division Three match at Southend United left fans with a worrying sense of dj vu as Darlington failed to turn possession into goals.

Their inability to find the back of the net had been a major factor as the team struggled to pick up points last season.

The fact that the home side had been reduced to ten men by the sending off of left-back Damon Searle just before half-time only served to highlight the problem.

Quakers were beaten by a goal from Mark Rawle ten minutes from time, but manager Gary Bennett was encouraged by the number of chances created.

The Shrimpers handed out some rough treatment to new man Neil Maddison, who was joined in midfield by Mark Ford and Brian Atkinson.

Richard Hodgson and Mark Convery were pushed forward alongside ex-Southend striker Barry Conlon, while Danny Mellanby caused some problems for the home defence when he came on for Ford midway through the second half.

Alex Jeannin had to settle for a place on the bench as Bennett decided on a flat back four. He will be relieved that no new injuries were picked up at Roots Hall as lack of continuity in team selection also caused problems last season