Jonjo Dickman reckons new team-mate Anthony Peacock has been like a 'breath of fresh air' since he joined him in the side.

The former Sunderland midfielder has been in sparkling form himself since Peacock was brought in to play alongside him at Grimsby and Hartlepool - but Peacock is another who has caught the eye. And with Matty Appleby currently out of the first-team picture through injury Dickman believes it is just as well the pair have struck-up a good understanding.

"Anthony has been like a breath of fresh air for everyone," said Dickman.

"He has been excellent and I think we've already struck up a pretty good understanding playing next to each other.

"We were unlucky at Hartlepool because we played well, now the aim is to stay in the team, keep the good form going and beat Chester on Saturday."

The 23-year-old, who missed out on Sunderland's promotion party last term, insists he has no regrets about swapping the Premiership for League Two after making just one appearance at the Stadium of Light - as a half-time substitute in a 3-0 defeat at Man City in 2003.

After joining in March he made eight Darlington appearances last season as David Hodgson's side narrowly missed out on the play-offs and this season Dickman has been an ever-present.

"It's great to be involved every week and I'm thoroughly enjoying my football," said the Quakers midfielder..

"It was disappointing to leave Sunderland last season but I felt the move to Darlington was the right one at the time.

"It was a good experience to be involved in the run-in last season and I thought we were unlucky not to make the play-offs.

"The manager has made some very good signings in the summer and I think we have the players to do well.

"Last season our problem was consistency, but hopefully we've learnt a lot from that.

"We need to perform week-in, week-out and if we do that then I'm sure we'll be fine."

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