ON-LOAN Tyrone O’Neill is in top form for Darlington and team-mate Adam Campbell says he enjoys watching his young team-mate unluck opposition defences.

The strikers are leading the way this season with 12 goals between them, Campbell on seven and O’Neill five, and no doubt they would both love to score in today’s FA Cup tie at Tamworth.

Both netted in last Saturday’s 2-1 win over Boston United, the third game in a row which O’Neill, on loan from Middlesbrough, has scored and it was his most eye-catching goal yet, quick footwork in the penalty area bamboozling Boston’s defence before putting the ball between the goalkeeper’s legs.

“Ty is on fire,” admitted Campbell.

“He holds on to the ball a bit and he does his little tricks, and you see that at academy level more than you do in non-league. He is good enough to be able to do it whereas some lads aren’t.

“You get more time at 23s level, people stand off you, but here they’re right on top of you and don’t give you a moment’s peace.

“Ty is good enough to hold on to the ball in tight situations. You’re convinced he’s going to lose it and then all of a sudden he’s megged someone and he’s one-on-one with the keeper. Sometimes you’ve got to sit back and admire what you’re watching.”

O’Neill celebrated his 20th birthday last Saturday, however, the occasion led to some gentle ribbing and a minor cause for complaint - failing to bring in a cake for his team-mates, which is standard procedure in football.

Campbell joked: “We need to be having a word with him about that – he’s on the most money here and didn’t even bring a cake in!”

Campbell’s seven goals have come in 15 appearances and is pleased with his season so far.

He said: “I don’t really set myself targets for the season, I set myself a target of scoring in each game so I’m a little bit behind.

“In terms of my tally, it’s alright and I’ve had a few assists because that’s a big part of my game, I like getting a few assists.

“I’m quite happy with how I’m doing personally and now the team is picking up results.”