DARLINGTON manager Martin Gray has warned his players that breaking records won't mean anything if they don't win the Northern League title this season.

Quakers have set a few records in the last week having reached 100 points for the first time and extended their biggest unbeaten run of the season to 14 games.

They've also notched 129 goals with seven games left to play, but Quakers boss insists those achievements will be forgotten if his side lose the race for the title with Spennymoor Town.

Moors kept the pressure on their title rivals with a 3-0 win over Billingham Town on Thursday night and as things stand they are 26 points behind Quakers with nine games in hand.

Gray's side go in search of their 15th consecutive win when they visit Whitley Bay this afternoon and Gray has urged his men to focus on the job in hand.

"They (Whitley Bay) are a good team. They've been there or thereabouts for the last three or four years, challenging for the league and winning the Vase. They've got players that can win games so it's important we prepare right.

"With seven games to go we've just got to make sure we take maximum points. We need to be focused, because it will be tough and we need a big following to go up there and get behind us because it does make a difference.

"I'm not one to look at stats, but it just goes to show the impact we've had. It means nothing if we don't get the title but it does give us a chance to win it and keeps the pressure on everyone else around us.

"The players have been great up to now. We just have to make sure we keep the finger on the pulse and win all the games we have remaining."

David Dowson is set to be recalled after he was rested for the majority of Wednesday night's win over Sunderland RCA, but Terry Galbraith is still missing as he nurses himself back to fitness.

As Darlington head towards the final stretch of their first season in the Northern League, Gray is already beginning to put plans in place to shape his Under 18 squad ready for next season.

With current young players such as Connor Lowes, David Mitchell, Sam Reed and Andrew White breaking through the ranks to play within the first team, it's no surprise that Gray is keen to seek out players with similar potential from the across the region.

He said: "Obviously I'm looking for players who display an ability to play a high level of football, perhaps already having played at county level or similar.

"Alongside a strong skill set, I need to know that prospective players will show a strong work ethic and be able to work as part of a team as well as excelling as an individual talent."

Quakers' manager is looking for current Year 11 pupils who believe they have what it takes to be part of the club's under-18 team, and they are invited to attend a one day trial.

Taking place at Greenfield Community College on Saturday, April 13, players will be put through their paces by the first team coaching staff before being invited, along with their parents, to Heritage Park to watch the Darlington team take on West Auckland.

With limited spaces available, players are asked to register an interest by contacting the Martin Gray Football Academy team on 07921 334577 or by email at mgfa@hotmail.co.uk. as soon as possible.