Darlo skipper wants action!

Dec 30 2007 by Darren Kelso, Sunday Sun

THE hectic holiday programme can leave players jaded and in need of a rest.

But Darlington skipper Steve Foster does not come into that category – not after the frustrating spell of just one game in almost a month in the run up to Christmas.

A blank Saturday because others were in cup action, a postponement, and an abandoned game at Morecambe left the side desperate for action.

“It was a horrible time,” said Foster. “I have never experienced a spell like that except when I have been dropped. And it came at the wrong time because we wanted to keep our momentum going.

“Then suddenly the games are coming thick and fast again, but it’s great to get back into the groove.”

Foster has been a key figure, and led by example as the side went five games without conceding, until letting a goal in against Rotherham on Boxing Day.

And with ruthless professionalism, he refuses to accept a drop in standards, albeit temporary, from himself or his team-mates even after a long run of victories.

“In the first half against Rotherham we were poor by our standards and we needed to up our performance. A few things were said at half-time, and as skipper I will make a point if it is needed.

“We set our stall out for the second half and were a lot better. What we have is quality players who can produce when we need to and that’s what happened with our goal. It was a good build up and a quality finish by Micky Cummins.”

Quakers are at Rochdale on Tuesday before another break, because Saturday’s scheduled opponents Barnet are in FA Cup third round action.