Former Man City and Mansfield midfielder D’Laryea has high hopes for Gainsborough after surprise brace at Fylde

The former Manchester City youth player believes the know-how of the squad will stand them in good stead in the National League North.

He said: “In my career it is something I haven’t achieved (promotion). It will be a tough league this year but if we can get ourselves in and around the play offs, I fancy us, with our experience, that we can hopefully kick on and get promoted.

“We’ve got a really good squad, especially in midfield, where everyone deserves the shirt.”

It will be results like the one on the North West coast and goals from midfield which will be needed for the Blues to push for promotion this year.

Despite bagging a brace on Saturday, D’Laryea was surprised as everyone else to see his name on the scoresheet twice.

He said: “I can’t really remember when, in my adult career, I’ve scored two in a season, never mind in the same game.

“I think the last time I did I was about 15. I just found myself getting into those positions and when I am there I’ve got to have a go and thankfully they went in.”

Darryn Stamp was a surprise starter on Saturday and D’Laryea believed that playing with the veteran striker for so many years, was the reason for his scoring form: “I’ve been playing with Stampy for years now and I know even if he doesn’t win the header, the centre half is not going to head it very far, so it’s just a case of gambling off him.”