Two of Carlisle United's League Two rivals have signed experienced strikers as the transfer market gathers pace before Monday's deadline.

Third-bottom Colchester United have brought in John Akinde from Gillingham.

And Hartlepool United have moved for Omar Bogle from Doncaster Rovers.

Colchester, two points behind United, have given 32-year-old Akinde a two-and-a-half year deal.

The frontman has goalscoring pedigree from spells with clubs such as barnet and Lincoln City, but has hit only one in 21 appearances for League One's second-bottom club this season.

Colchester hope he can fire them to safety with interim boss Wayne Brown saying: "I think he'll be a great asset for us."

"He will give us a different dynamic that I think we have been missing so far this season, a presence and experience - but more importantly, we're hoping that he's going to bring us goals."

Sixteenth-placed Hartlepool, meanwhile, handed 29-year-old Bogle a two-and-a-half year deal upon his departure from League One's bottom side Doncaster.

The striker scored one goal in 11 Donny appearances this campaign, after previous spells with Charlton Athletic, Den Haag, Portsmouth, Birmingham City, Peterborough United, Cardiff City, Wigan Athletic and Grimsby Town, his prolific efforts for the latter from 2015-17 launching his EFL career.

Pools owner Raj Singh said the signing was a result of the club backing manager Graeme Lee with funds, and Lee himself said: “This is an exciting signing for us and we’re delighted to get it over the line after profiling and pursuing Omar for some time.

"He has pedigree and has performed and scored in this league and the leagues above which was key for us." Pools are three points above Carlisle.

United manager Keith Millen last night said he was still hoping to add "one or two" new faces, with the Blues' attacking threat the area of focus.

The Cumbrians have made four signings so far this month in the form of Dynel Simeu, Omari Patrick, Tyrese Omtoye and Joel Senior.