A day of transfer activity saw Darlington yesterday sign two former Middlesbrough youngsters and spring a surprise by releasing Kerry Hedley while Craig Gott completed his move away from the club.

Hedley, a winger, only joined on a permanent basis from Hartlepool United in the summer having impressed while on loan last season, during which time he scored a memorable goal against Sunderland RCA.

He trained with Quakers throughout pre-season before making the move from Pools official at the beginning of August, however, the Darlington-born teenager has been used sparingly by manager Martin Gray.

Twice he played as a substitute this season, but he was not even on the bench when Darlington won at Clitheroe last Saturday and Gray yesterday decided to release him.

Hedley left on the same day that Gott joined Marske United.

Quakers accepted the midfielder's transfer request earlier in the week and, having been the subject of interest from several Northern League clubs, he has chosen to move to Marske, who are top of Division One.

He joined Darlington on a free transfer 12 months ago and moves on for an undisclosed fee.

Also yesterday, Gray brought in Bruno Pilatos and Curtis Edwards, two former Middlesbrough youngsters.

Pilatos, who can play in defence and midfield, did not play for Boro's first team but more than once was included in the matchday squad and has represented England Under-19s.

Pilatos, from Hurworth, near Darlington, had been with Middlesbrough since he was ten years old, but was released in the middle of last season.

Edwards, 19, is a midfielder who left the Riverside in March.

Gray said: "They've both got good pedigree and there's no harm having a look at them and seeing how they get on because they've certainly got ability."

Pilatos and Edwards take the number of additions in recent weeks up to three following the arrival of defender Hall, a Scottish former Dunfirmline defender who can play right-back and centre-back and has relocated to the region due to work.

Darlington face Mossley at Heritage Park tomorrow (3pm).

* Places remain available on the Martin Gray Football Academy's Edexel Level 3 Diploma in Sport at Darlington College.

For more information, go to martingrayfootballacademy.co.uk or email mgfa@hotmail.co.uk

Also, Darlington's under-10s require more players. Contact coach Elliott McCabe on 07515-513811.