Darlington have today signed forward Aidan Rutledge on loan from Gateshead.

Aidan, 23, has recently finished a loan spell at Scarborough where he had scored nine goals in 23 matches, and now he has agreed to join us on loan for the rest of the season.

Aidan was the leading scorer in the Northern League second division for Birtley Town last season -- he scored 61 times for them in 43 matches -- and moved to Gateshead during the summer. He scored a hat trick for Gateshead against Dunston in the Durham Challenge Cup before switching to Scarborough on loan. He played against us for Scarborough earlier in the season, and scored from the penalty spot in the game at Blackwell Meadows. He scored nine times for Scarborough in his time there.

Manager Steve Watson said; "As myself and Terry have said before, we need to go out and try and win every game, which means as many goal threats as possible.

"Aidan had an outstanding start in this league and we are hoping he will reproduce that form for us in the last six matches.

"He's a little bit different to what we have got, and is very good in the 18 yard box. We think he will complement the squad brilliantly."

Aidan goes straight into the squad for Saturday's away game at Rushall Olympic. We'd like to wish him every success while he's with us.

We'd like to thank Gateshead for their help with the move (at short notice!).