Darlington's exhaustive search for a striker finally came to a conclusion last night when Tresor Kandol agreed to sign on loan from Dagenham and Redbridge.

After scoring against Hartlepool United in the FA Cup last weekend, Kandol will go straight into tomorrow's team to face Wycombe Wanderers - who have also been tracking the 24-year-old.

Manager David Hodgson has endured a tough time in attempting to attract a forward in time for tomorrow's game, for which Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu is suspended, and has seen deals for other players fall through.

But last night he was delighted with the signing of Kandol, who comes on loan, until the January transfer window opens, with a view to a permanent deal.

Having started his career at Luton Town prior to spells at Cambridge United, Bournemouth, Chesham United and Thurrock before joining Dagenham in the summer, Kandol has scored 85 goals in 126 starts, plus substitute appearances.

Kandol, who will wear the No. 9 shirt vacated by the departed Clyde Wijnhard, impressed last week against Pool whose manager, Martin Scott, had also admitted to having previously watched the 6ft 1ins striker.

Darlington's David McGurk, on loan at York City, played against Kandol earlier this season and was full of praise, as was Matty Appleby who faced him while playing for Oldham in the FA Cup against Thurrock last season.

Hodgson said: "Everyone knows I have been trying hard to bring in a goalscorer and I'm delighted to have brought in Tresor.

"David said Tresor was absolutely immense when he played against him and Matty rated him very highly.

"I spoke to Micky Nelson (Hartlepool defender) and he said he was excellent so I have no doubt he has the ability to be a success at this level.

"The lad is unbelievably quick, fantastic in the air and has a superb scoring record. We have watched him on a number of times and he took his goal well against Hartlepool last week.

"Tresor will bring a fresh approach and provide good competition. Other clubs were interested in him but we managed to nip in and sign him."

Despite Kandol's arrival, a deal for Michael Bridges could be back on, though Hodgson has admitted defeat in his attempt to land "No.1 target" Daryl Murphy from Sunderland.

Last week, Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy informed Hodgson of Murphy's availability and a loan deal was imminent. But, after an injury to Andy Welsh, Murphy was called up to the Sunderland squad and impressed in his full debut at Arsenal on Saturday.

"Daryl was our No.1 target, but now that he's broken into the Sunderland first-team I'm delighted for the lad," said Hodgson.

"It's very disappointing to miss out on a player like Daryl, but he's taken his chance and I hope he goes on to do very well for himself.

"I would like to place on record my thanks to Mick over our attempts to sign Daryl. Unfortunately for us Daryl put in a great performance at Arsenal and is now part of Mick's first team plans."

Bridges had said he would prefer to stay at Ashton Gate but Hodgson last night said said he expected to sign the player next week.

Darlington welcome back Carlos Logan this weekend after a six-match absence. The winger has been sidelined with an Achilles problem but returned to full training on Monday

"It's great to have Carlos back, but we have to be careful," said Hodgson. "He needs a little bit more time to work on his fitness before we can consider playing him from the start.''

Tomorrow's match has a 2.30pm kick-off

Read more about the Quakers here.