SAM RUSSELL may have played his part in keeping Darlington's fourth consecutive clean sheet at the weekend, but even last season's player-of-the-year felt a certain amount of trepidation on his return to the side at Boston.

The 23-year-old made his first appearance at York Street since suffering a hairline fracture of the fibula in November.

It has been during Russell's 12-match absence that Quakers have enjoyed their best form of the season, losing twice and swapping the bottom half of the table for a play-off place.

On his recall to the side on Saturday, the former Middlesbrough goalkeeper admitted the prospect of returning to an in-form side was a daunting one.

"It's good to get this game out of the way and keep a clean sheet," said Russell. "The lads who came in have done really well and there was a bit of pressure coming back into the side.

"But, I thought it went well today and from my point of view it's been easier to come back when the team is playing so well."

Russell was rarely tested on his return to the side, although the Quakers No 1 was well protected by Shelton Martis and Matt Clarke's ever-improving defensive partnership.

"I didn't really have that much to do, which is testament to our defenders really," said Russell.

"Shelton and Matt have been fantastic for us and I think they deserve a lot of credit.

"Boston isn't an easy place to come to. The pitch was terrible and it didn't really suit the way we like to play.

"Sometimes you have to grind results out and I think we should be happy with the point."

Russell missed five games earlier in the season with a calf injury. And worse was to follow when, in November, the Teessider broke down in training.

"It's been a frustrating season for me, so I'm delighted to be back," admitted Russell.

"I've been out for three months in total, which was difficult after being an ever-present last year.

"The team has been playing well and that's made it harder for me to watch from the stands."