Martin Wild speaks to David Hunt after the 0-0 draw with Darlington at the new stadium

David Hunt was all smiles in the player's tunnel following the 0-0 draw against promotion chasing Darlington. It was the midfielder's first start since the 1-0 home defeat at the end of December at the hands of Wycombe Wanderers.

"It was a good night's work," said the 25 year-old. "It was just unfortunate that we couldn't score a goal, but the lads are happy to have kept a clean sheet especially as we've been conceding against other league teams at the top and letting in goals, so hopefully we can build from there and get the attacking going as well.

"It's nice to be back playing for the first team again, players are always happier when they're playing matches," he added. "Some people have their opinions and the manager at the time had his, and that's part of football. If you can't accept being dropped from time to time then you shouldn't be in the game. I've just had to bide my time. Unfortunately it's been a while but I knew that when my chance came again I'd have to be ready to take it, so I'm just happy to be back playing again."

In some of the reserve outings I've seen Hunt play in, since losing his place under Gary Peters, I have always been impressed by his professionalism and his leadership qualities out on the field.

"Yeah, I mean I'm not the type of player to sulk and not try in anything I do - whether that be Scrabble against the missus or Connect 4 (cue laughter from Andy Cooke ear-wigging from the medical room). It doesn't matter what it is, Backgammon or chess, I can't stand losing. I fall out with people if I don't win."

At varying stages across the 90 minutes, there were storm force winds accompanied by heavy downpours which saturated the playing surface and meant that concentration levels had to be at their maximum.

"I quite liked it actually. I'm not sure all their lads did though and that's maybe why they made an early substitution. We made sure we didn't lose our battles, we did our jobs right and came out of it with a clean sheet."

Hunt has been especially disappointed having to watch from the sidelines as the side have continued this depressing sequence of results, which has seen a return of just eight points from the last available 42.

"It's been a time when my family and the close friends I've made here - including my butcher who I have to give a shout to as he looks after me every week - have helped me out and allowed me to keep my head up. We need to get our minds focussed on Saturday's trip to Macclesfield now and try to get three points. We don't want to get sucked into the relegation places. We're more than capable of getting the points we need to let the fans enjoy a run to the end of the season. All the teams down there are doing their best to close the gap but our time will come soon where we can pull away from there."

Performances were important at the start of the season but now we're into what football folk refer to as 'the business end' it's surely now only about results - at least until there are sufficient points banked to ensure football league status is preserved in this part of Shropshire.

"Yeah definitely," said Hunt. "Once the points are on the board then we can start giving performances."

Speaking about mounting speculation that a new man may be in place shortly, the number six had this to say: "Whoever comes in I'm sure the lads will be behind him 100%. We've worked really hard and trained hard but it's a bit like starting school again 'cos a new manager brings new options."

Despite the side being low on confidence, Hunt is convinced that the tremendous depth of spirit within the club, can only help a player returning to the side after a spell on the sidelines.

"Everyone gees one another up. Any criticism is always constructive and the lads all help each other out. Considering what we've been through the team spirit here is fantastic. In the changing rooms the lads are top-notch and whoever comes into the side settles in fine."

The short term goal for the former Crystal Palace and Northampton man is to retain his jersey for the remainder of the campaign.

"I just want to keep playing and hold down my place. I almost came up with a goal towards the end there but it was blocked but I'll hopefully start scoring again soon."

Hunty has his detractors but I'm not one of them. I'm delighted to see him back in the team doing the simple things. He's a quality player and quality is something that's been all too sadly missing in my view for way too long now. The Moss Rose on Saturday is the perfect place to get ourselves hauled away from the bottom places, and help all in SY2 breathe that little bit easier.