Quakers' forwards challenged by boss

Posted on 8th December 2006

Darlington manager Dave Penney is challenging his forwards to find their shooting boots. Quakers recently enjoyed an excellent run of form winning six games in a row but since November only one of Darlington's eleven goals have come from a striker. Quakers' third and final goal in their win at Lincoln City came from Simon Johnson.

Since Penney took over only two goals have come from his strike–force – the other being Gaetano Giallanza's penalty kick at Tranmere Rovers. The Quakers' boss admits the situation is something of a concern and feels the forwards need to weigh in with a significant contribution if Darlington are to achieve promotion this season.

"If you look at the strikers we've been playing with we've only got one goal. Barry (Conlon) hasn't really played, Alun (Armstrong) has had some chances but hasn't scored and Julian (Joachim) is just getting himself fit," said Penney. "If you are going to achieve anything you need one of your strikers to score twenty. We've told the strikers we need them to score goals if we are going to win matches."

Since Penney's arrival Martin Smith – employed on the left flank – has been the big hitter scoring four times. Neil Wainwright, Darren Holloway, Michael Cummins, Patrick Collins and Kalusivikako Ngoma have all contributed since the manager's first game in charge in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Alun Armstrong and Johnson have been the preferred starting pairing for Penney so far but since arriving back in the North East Armstrong has scored only once – a thirty–seventh minute strike at Hereford United in the middle of October. Despite goals being hard to come by for the 31–year–old the Darlington boss feels the goals will come for him.

"We trained on Tuesday morning and he was excellent in training. It just didn't quite drop for him in the game on the evening," said Penney. "He has the pedigree and he can finish. We are making him chances and I'd be more worried the other way with Alun. If we weren't making the chances he might not get there. He will take them before long. It's not a great concern but they have been told that we need goals from our strikers – it is what they are paid for."

Penney does have options at his disposal should he feel the need to change his forward line around. Barry Conlon is available whilst Julian Joachim continues to return from injury. Swiss forward Gaetano Giallanza is currently resting and could potentially be called upon after the Christmas period is over. Giallanza is currently resting a knee injury and is due for a re–scan in around one week's time.

Earlier Darlington news

Darlington keeper gives backing to understudy
First half not good enough for Darlington boss
Darlington number two confident
Quakers release defender
Darlington defeated for first time under Penney
Penney stands in the way of Swansea
Darlington make it six in a row
Staggs boss looking for a reaction
Darlington set to make changes
Penney chalks up another win as Quakers boss
Darlington complete loan deals on three
Darlington set to swoop for loan signings
Darlington short on defenders
Darlington kids face tough test
A great result and great performance says Penney