NORTHWICH Victoria’s leading scorer has left the club.

Darryn Stamp, a marksman six times in the Blue Square Premier this term, will see out the season on loan at Blue Square North table toppers Gateshead.

“We have been light on numbers up front for a while,” said Heed boss Ian Bogie.

“I’m delighted to have strengthened at this vital time of the season.”

The 30-year-old front runner has made two substitute appearances since caretaker manager Andy Preece replaced Steve King last month.

Before that he had been out of favour under the ex-Lewes boss.

Despite being the club’s leading goal-getter, the former Halifax Town and Stevenage Borough striker was last on target against the latter of those two in mid-November.

He was sent off in the same game.

Bogie added: “Darryn’s deal is with a view to becoming permanent and he will travel to Tyneside today, Thursday, for training.

“The squad now has a better balance between youth and experience.”

Gateshead lead Tamworth by three points at the top of the table, although the Lambs have three games in hand.

Stamp should feature for the first time against Hinckley at the weekend.

He signed a one-year deal with Northwich last summer after playing a pivotal part in helping keep the club in non-league’s top tier last season.

The Hull-based forward scored three goals in six games during a month-long loan before then Halifax boss Chris Wilder recalled him to the Shay to help in their battle to beat the drop.