DARLINGTON defender-cum-striker Matt Clarke answered his critics in the best possible way at the weekend, before vowing to earn manager David Hodgson more respite from his search for a goalscorer.

The giant Yorkshireman scored his second goal of the season in Saturday's 3-0 win at Chester City.

And while Hodgson continues his search for a forward, Clarke has been handed the task of replacing last season's top scorer Barry Conlon in the meantime.

Clarke was influential in helping Quakers avoid relegation last season and his performances earned him the club's player of the year award.

And while the former Halifax man has been called on as an emergency striker in the past, the 23-year-old admits: "It has been difficult to re-adjust to playing up front after playing the majority of last season at the back.

"The gaffer turned to me as a replacement for Baz which is obviously a tough act to follow. All I can do is try my best and hopefully get more goals.

Prior to Saturday's first away win of the season Clarke and striker partner Craig Russell had been criticised by fans for their contribution in front of goal.

Clarke added: "It's always frustrating when you work hard and don't get the end results. If you don't put the ball in the back of the net then people start asking questions.

"I can understand the fans' frustration when things aren't going our way but hopefully this will give us the confidence to go on and get more goals."

Clarke will lead the Quakers line for the visit of Cambridge this afternoon, aiming to take maximum points from the Bank Holiday weekend.

"There are no easy games but we are expected to beat teams like Chester and we have every confidence that we can follow that up with three points against Cambridge," said Clarke.

And while Quakers are likely to remain unchanged this afternoon, Us boss Herve Renard has a couple of injury worries to contend with.

Shane Tudor (hamstring) and John Turner (leg) are doubtful. However, highly-rated midfielder Luke Guttridge is fit to play after coming through Saturday's defeat at home to Swansea unscathed after picking up a knock against Watford in midweek.

Ashley Nicholls returns to his former club for the first time since joining Cambridge on a free transfer in the summer.

*Quakers have been drawn away to League Two rivals Mansfield Town in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy.

The tie will take place at Field Mill on Tuesday 28 September.