IN-FORM Darlington remain on course for a long-awaited promotion, but manager Dave Penney also wants to look to the future by paying attention to Quakers' youth set-up.

Since last summer Darlington's boss has made a raft of signings, which have propelled the team up the League Two table.

A total of 22 players have moved to the Balfour Webnet Darlington Arena at some stage this season, though some have been loans, but Penney would prefer to see more talent come through the ranks.

Youngsters Wayne Clarke, Lewis Hardman and Shaun Reay all progressed through Darlington's youth system, while Kevin Burgess and Nick Liversedge served their apprenticeships at other clubs.

But all are on the fringes of the first team action, restricted to reserve action.

It is a situation Penney would like to see rectified and he said: "We're doing OK this season, and now the next thing to look at is the youth set-up and getting that right.

"We need to get some kids coming through because we haven't had enough for the last seven or eight years that have been good enough to play in the first team.

"That's the next process to get up and running. But first and foremost the aim is to take the club to the next level."

Quakers' reserves are in action tonight when they play Hartlepool United at Billingham Town (7pm).

The game offers an opportunity for Martin Smith to continue building his match fitness, having been left on the bench for Saturday's win at Mansfield.