ANDY COOKE may have outshone his new strike partner by scoring on his Darlington debut, but the work of Kyle Lafferty has not gone unnoticed.

Lafferty and Cooke formed Quakers' latest new-look strikeforce in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at play-off rivals Peterborough United.

And, while Cooke, signed on loan from Bradford just hours before the game, made a scoring start to his Quakers career, assistant manager Mark Proctor has heaped praise on fellow loan ranger Lafferty.

Proctor has been delighted with the impact Lafferty has made since moving to the club from Burnley last month.

As well as earning the plaudits of Quakers' coaching staff, the Irishman's three goals in eight appearances and non-stop running have also received the approval of fans.

"Kyle is going to have a massive part to play for us," said Proctor. "He's come in and scored goals for us. He has plenty of energy, drive and youthful exuberance.

"His record has been very good but I still think there is a lot more to come from him as he matures. Let's not forget he's still only 18.

"We've been delighted with him and I think the crowd have warmed to him because he works his socks off.

"As a team your first line of defence is your front two and if they're working hard, they're taking the pressure of our back lads. It has a massive effect on the rest of the team."

Burnley have the option to recall Lafferty at any time, although manager David Hodgson will remain hopeful of extending the Belfast-born forward's loan for a third month. The teenager is due to return to Turf Moor at the beginning of March.

Clarets boss Steve Cotterill has been delighted with the impact Lafferty has made at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena. While the former Sunderland coach sees the Irishman as part of his long-term plans, his progress is likely to continue in the North-East.

Cooke, who has made 17 appearances for Bradford this season, has joined Quakers on an initial one-month loan.

l Hitting the target in more ways than one will have been on the minds of Hartlepool United's rejuvenated players yesterday.

A day after making it three games unbeaten under Paul Stephenson, the caretaker boss took his squad paintballing.

Stephenson has taken five points from his three games in charge. They have yet to concede a goal in that run but they have only scored once - Matty Robson's match-winner against Chesterfield - and goals have been scarce all season.

They have netted just 31 in 33 games, fewer than anyone in League One.

With Adam Boyd getting back to match fitness and Joel Porter set for another reserve team run-out next week, Stephenson is sure there are goals in his team.

"We dealt with Tranmere very easily,'' he said. "Had we been a bit cleverer and quicker in front of goal we could have had a goal or two."