DARLINGTON striker Jacob Hazel has left Quakers and joined National League North rivals Boston United.

The move - for an undisclosed fee - is understood to have been arranged last week and Hazel said his goodbyes to teammates and coaches after Saturday's FA Trophy defeat to Scunthorpe United.

Hazel leaves Darlington having scored 24 goals in 67 appearances following his arrival from Whitby Town in the summer of 2022. The 29-year-old's exit leaves Darlington without a fully fit striker for tonight's game against Warrington at Blackwell Meadows.

Andrew Nelson is serving the first of a three-match suspension after his sending off at Chorley last week, Mitch Curry is sidelined and Akwasi Asante is not yet ready to start as he works towards full fitness.

Darlington wanted to keep Hazel until Gowling had recognised strikers fully fit and available but delaying the switch could have resulted in Boston turning their attention elsewhere. The fee received for Hazel will help towards Asente's wages.

Asente joined last week following his release from Chesterfield. Gowling hopes the 31-year-old - who has score more than 100 career goals - can help fire Quakers to safety.

Hazel, meanwile, is eligible to make his Boston debut tonight against Rushall Olympic, who are a place and five points above Darlington in the table.

Darlington travel to Boston late in February.