Darlington swoop for new midfielder

MARK Cooper has added experienced midfielder Paul Terry, the elder brother of England international John, to his Darlington squad.

The 31-year-old former Rushden and Diamonds man put in a steady performance in the Lake District last night as Darlington won 2-1 at Kendal.

The Quakers ran out 2-1 winners over the Northern Premier League side two days after their 3-0 win at Workington.

Terry joined up with the squad only yesterday after a trial with Gateshead, and Cooper is pleased to add more midfield cover to his ranks.

“We’ve got a few bits to sort out but all being well he’ll sign,” said Cooper. “He brings a wealth of League One, League Two and Conference football with him.

“He was arguably Rushden’s best player last year and with the injury worries, Michael Brough and Gary Smith’s unstable ankle, it potentially leaves us short in that area so I thought it was prudent to bring in another experienced midfield player.”

Cooper, who gave another game to trialist Kevin Austin, hailed Darlington’s Lakes trip as a success following two hard work-outs and a teambuilding activity day on Wednesday.

He said: “The whole trip has been a great success. We’ve had two good work-outs, two wins, a great day yesterday and some good training.

“We’ll train here again in the morning before heading back to Darlo.

“The camaraderie among the players is really strong.

There’s certainly nothing wrong with the team spirit and that can only bode well for the season ahead.

“They’ve worked their socks off in the games and the one thing I can say is they’ve worked hard. There’s been no problems at all, they’ve all pitched in.”

Striker Tommy Wright bagged his first goal since returning to the club, scoring after 30 minutes, but Kendal appeared to have earned a draw when Dave Foster equalised with a scrappy goal in the final ten minutes.

However, Quakers tall young forward Michael Smith grabbed a winner in the 88th minute, rolling the ball into an empty net after good work by John McReady.

“It was another good exercise for us,” said Cooper. “I thought we looked dominant in the first half with the majority of the experienced players on, could have scored more goals with the chances we had.

“We changed it around in the second half, brought the younger lads on and we lost a bit of shape, but we got a winner towards the end and I’m pleased with them.

“They’re looking fit. Big Kev Austin has had 90 minutes and looked solid at the back. I’m pleased at the minute, we’re winning games and it’s a good habit.”

Keeper Kelvin Jack impressed on his debut last night, while Chris Senior looked lively in an attacking right midfield role.