DARLINGTON may have established one of the meanest defences in League Two this season, but assistant manager Mark Proctor believes a large percentage of the credit for that should go to goalkeeper Sam Russell.

In conceding just 11 goals in the League this season, Quakers share the best defensive record with Swansea.

And while Quakers' rearguard has taken many of the plaudits, Proctor insists Russell has been just as influential.

The stopper has made the No 1 spot his own since joining Quakers from hometown club Middlesbrough during the summer with a string if impressive displays. The Teessider has played in all 17 games this season, keeping six clean sheets.

"Good teams are built on clean sheets and we' ve kept six of them already this season,\rdblquote said Proctor.

"Our defence has taken a lot of credit for that but we must not forget the part Sam has played.

"He has made some very important saves this season and seems to be going from strength-to-strength, which doesn' t surprise me at all."

Proctor knows about the talents of Russell more than most, having worked with the 22-year-old as Middlesbrough' s youth-team coach.

And after following Russell across the A66 during the summer Proctor said: "I was instrumental in Sam coming across here when I was at Middlesbrough. I knew of his qualities and that Darlington were getting a terrific goalkeeper.

"He' s still only young and I'm sure he has a very bright future in the game."

Skipper Neil Maddison will be fit for Saturday' s trip to Rushden & Diamonds. The midfielder has been nursing a sore Achilles and was substituted during Saturday's win over Wycombe as a precaution.

Ticket details have been announced for Quakers' third ever visit to Nene Park. Prices are £15 adults, £10 senior citizens and students and £4 for under-16s.

* Darlington Supporters' Trust are holding a Sportsmen's Dinner at the Blackwell Grange Hotel on Friday, November 19, at 8pm

Kevan Smith and David Speedie will be guest speaking.

Tickets are available at £30 per person or a table for 10 at £300 and can be ordered by e-mailing paul.hodgson1000@ntlworld.com

Read more about the Quakers here.