STRIKER Lee Gaskell has left Darlington on the eve of the season, with manager Martin Gray explaining that the club had to off-load a forward for financial reasons.

Gaskell has dropped down a division to join Ashton United, a club closer to his home in Manchester, but Quakers still have four forwards to choose from for tomorrow’s season-opener at Altrincham.

Nathan Cartman, Amar Purewal and Liam Hardy were joined in the squad last week by Mark Beck, a 6ft 5in tall ex-Yeovil Town striker, and his arrival has led to the exit of a player who contributed 14 goals to Darlington’s title-winning campaign.

“From my point of view, five forwards was too many,” said Gray. “The travelling is an issue and from this season we’re going to be training two nights a week. He’s found a club closer to home.

“We’re not a club that can run with five forwards, and we’re conscious of balancing the books.”

Gaskell committed himself to Quakers by signing a new contract at the end of last season, but Gray said: “Things have changed since he signed his contract, I’ve signed a forward that wasn’t available at the time.

“But Lee made a big contribution overall and he won us some big points.”

Gaskell joined last October having impressed Gray while playing for Ramsbottom United against Darlington, scoring a hat-trick away to Mickleover Sports soon after signing.

Three of his 14 goals were shortlisted in the club’s goal of the season award, taking the accolade for his individual effort at home to Matlock in February, however, his goals dried up and he lost his place to Graeme Armstrong towards the end of the season.