RADCLIFFE Borough stalwart Martyn Forrest has emerged as the unsung hero of the club’s bid to climb the UniBond First Division North.

With the Stainton Park outfit deprived of a recognised left back, the 30-year-old midfield man has been playing in a utility role on the left side of a three centre back combination.

Boro have had a frustrating time of late, suffering a series of postponements due to the recent poor weather, and they have been beaten in their last two league outings, despite playing some decent football.

They lost 3-2 at Woodley on Saturday, as a direct result of three individual errors which saw them trailing 3-0 after 46 minutes, although goals from Steve Howson and Ben Wharton pulled them back into the game late on.

Forrest continued to shine in a role he admits is unfamiliar, but one which he is happy to carry out for the sake of the team.

The former Bury captain is clearly enjoying his football again after a troubled 2008-9 season in which he required life-saving treatment from a linesman after swallowing his tongue.

But he has now returned to full fitness and is playing his part in a Boro campaign which started well but has stuttered in recent weeks.

“I’m not really a defender,” he said. “But I’ve been drafted in there and that’s where I’ve been playing. We’re in a situation where if players need to perform a role for the team that’s what they must do.

“On Saturday, we gave three poor goals away, and I am more concerned about that than my own performance, although it is pleasing when the effort you put in is recognised.

“From my point of view it’s great to back playing regular football again.

“Against Woodley, we had a lot of chances and it’s a shame we couldn’t grab an equaliser. Woodley were not a great side, and you have to look at it as three points thrown away.”