Darlington manager Mick Tait is backing reluctant striker Matt Clarke to cause havoc among Third Division defences this season, writes LEE HALL.

Clarke engraved his name into the record books on Monday after his equaliser - the first goal by a home player at the Reynolds Arena - set Quakers on their way to their first league win of the season.

And Tait, who has used the big defender alongside Barry Conlon in Quakers' last two outings, believes the 22-year-old's presence alone will be a huge asset - providing he can instil some self-belief into his attacking game.

"He caused Orient all sorts of problems," said Tait. "I don't think he believes in himself as a striker yet but he is a handful. He can cause people problems in this Division I'm sure, he's a big powerful lad and he's quite quick as well."

Meanwhile, former Darlington manager David Hodgson has played down his appearance at the Reynolds Arena on Monday.

Hodgson spent four years with Quakers before departing in 2000.

And he revealed his visit came from courtesy of a friend's invite. "I went to game as a guest of one of my mates who has a private box," said Hodgson.

"I went on my own accord because I wanted to see the lads play at the new stadium There's nothing else in it than that."

And Hodgson was also keen to stress that last week's visit to the stadium was purely "on business" when he was offered a guided tour from chairman George Reynolds.

"It's a lovely stadium and obviously I would have loved to have had facilities like that when I was there," said Hodgson.