Bridge-Wilkinson has scored eight goals for Darlington

Darlington boss Mark Cooper has heralded the impact of Marc Bridge-Wilkinson after his brace in Tuesday's 4-0 win against Fleetwood Town.

The 31-year-old has scored five goals in seven games since completing a permanent move to the Arena from Carlisle United in January.

"He's always got a chance of creating you something," Cooper told BBC Tees.

"He'll give balls away sometimes, but you have to put up with that because he's a clever player."

Bridge-Wilkinson has scored a total of eight goals in 18 games for Darlington since initially joining the club on loan in October.

The victory against fellow play-off hopefuls Fleetwood Town extended the Quakers' unbeaten run in all competitions to seven matches.

It also kept Cooper's side in touch with the play-offs places, with three games in hand on fifth-placed Kidderminster, and a gap of 10 points.

"They're on a real good run, they're gelling together well, and they've got the bit between their teeth, and look as though they don't want to get beaten," Cooper added.

"It's something that can only bode well for the rest of this season."

Meanwhile Quakers boss Cooper has also been the subject of reported interest from Grimsby Town regarding their vacant managerial position.

The 42-year-old joined the club in June, and has since led the club to the FA Trophy semi-finals.

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