BEING involved in a promotion campaign is a whole new ball game for Darlington defender Matt Clarke.

The big defender is the first to admit that relegation battles have been somewhat of a recurring theme during his career.

After failing to make the grade with Wolves as a youngster, Leeds-born Clarke returned to Yorkshire when he joined Halifax, originally as a striker, in 1999.

In three years at the Shay, Clarke helped Halifax stave off relegation twice from the old Third Division, before they dropped down to the Conference in his final season in 2002.

Two months after suffering the heartache of relegation, Clarke was handed a Football League lifeline when he joined Tommy Taylor's Quakers on a free transfer in July 2002.

But it was a case of out of one frying pan and into another as Quakers struggled at the foot of the old Third Division in his first campaign.

Last season Clarke was used as both a defender and a striker as manager David Hodgson eventually steered the club clear of the drop with three games to go.

And, after beginning this season as an emergency striker, Clarke's impressive defensive displays have helped Quakers into the play-off places.

"It's a relief being able to look at the top half of the table and seeing us there," said Clarke. "I've been involved in too many relegation battles, so this makes a nice change.

"We're up there deservedly so and we plan to stay up there for the rest of the season."

And following an impressive spate of signings - Alun Armstrong, Clyde Wijnhard and Craig Hignett - since the club came out of administration in September, Clarke added: "No disrespect to the team I joined a couple of years ago, but this is the best squad I've played in by far.

"There are players here who shouldn't even be in this division. With the squad we have promotion has to be our aim and anything less will be a major disappointment."

Clarke was in commanding form as Quakers were held to a 1-1 draw by struggling Oxford on Saturday. Despite bombarding the Us goal in the second half, they were forced to settle for a point.

"After the two good performances before the Oxford game I think we can say that this was two points lost," said Clarke. "It's a little bit disappointing, especially when you look at all the possession we had in the second half.

"As the game goes on and chances are missed you start feeling like it's going to be one of those days."

The visitors committed 21 fouls and Clarke admitted their rough house tactics were difficult to get to grips with, adding: "They were just bringing down anybody who had the ball, but I suppose that's part and parcel of the game."

Due to FA Cup commitments the League Two programme was reduced to five games at the weekend. Sixth-placed Quakers were the highest placed team to play on Saturday and a win would have taken them to fifth.

But, as Quakers failed to take advantage with their first draw in 12 games, Clarke said: "We knew this was an opportunity to strengthen our position in the top seven with so many other teams not playing, so obviously it is disappointing not to come away with all three points.

"All we can do is focus on the Northampton game, where hopefully we'll come away with three points and keep our place in the top seven."

After dropping from fifth to tenth with three straight defeats at the end of December, Quakers' promotion hopes are now back on track after taking seven points from their first three games of 2005.

"We can't complain with our recent form, especially when you look at the results we picked up over Christmas," said Clarke. "It's been a good start to the new year and it's up to us to build on that."

Quakers' promotion cause will be helped by the return of skipper Craig Liddle in a fortnight's time, while Joey Hutchinson has been pencilled in for a March return.

And Clarke believes there couldn't be a better time for players to come back into the fray in what promises to be a crucial run-in. "It's always healthy for the manager to have competition for places," said Clarke. "There always suspensions and injuries towards the latter stage of the season, so it's important we have as many players back as possible.

"It's reassuring that we do have players in the squad who can come in and do a good job."

Read more about the Quakers here.