DAVID Stockdale has played a big part in establishing Darlington as League Two's early pace-setters and the goalkeeper insists Quakers are good enough to sustain their place at the top of the table.

Stockdale has conceded fewer goals than any other keeper in the division, having picked the ball out of the net on just two occasions (both against Notts County in a 2-2 draw) in six league appearances.

With four clean sheets and 11 goals scored so far, Quakers top League Two and have overtaken Peterborough United as the bookmakers' favourites to win the division.

And, while Stockdale refuses to get carried away by the impressive start to the season, the goalkeeper, who turns 22 tomorrow, believes Quakers have enough strength to maintain their place in the top places.

"When you look at the quality we have in the squad there is no reason why we can't stay up there," said Stockdale.

"We've made a brilliant start to the season and I think that's surprised a few people with the amount of players who have come in during the summer.

"But everyone seems to have gelled quickly and you only have to look at the results to see that.

"We've proved to be a difficult team to break down and we have players at the other end who are more than capable of scoring goals."

Between them, Pawel Abbott (four) and Tommy Wright (three) have scored seven of Darlington's 13 goals in all competitions this season.

Their impressive partnership has kept the likes of Gregg Blundell and Ian Harty out of the side, epitomising the strength in depth within manager Dave Penney's squad.

"That's the sign of any good team when you can leave players of that quality out of the side," said Stockdale.

"It's great because it keeps them on their toes and that's the same throughout the team, including myself.

"We have players like Clark Keltie coming back and there's still Martin Smith to come so we're only going to get stronger. Obviously injuries are going to happen but I think we have enough quality to deal with that."

Darlington reserves beat Leeds United 1-0 at Norton last night thanks to a Keltie penalty. He claimed the only goal after Sean Reay was brought down in the box.

Adam Boyd is relishing the chance to put one over on both his former club this weekend.

Boyd has bagged four goals in League One this season for Leyton Orient who meet Hartlepool United, his hometown club, this weekend.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to it - I've got about 14 people coming down to stay over a my house, it might be a little bit cramped. It's the first time I've played against Hartlepool since I moved, it will be a big occasion for me.''