TOWN skipper Peter Clarke is delighted that the side are playing so successfully “back to front.”

After the 6-0 success over Wycombe at the Galpharm, two-goal hero Clarke was quick to point out that goalkeeper Alex Smithies is now being regarded as the first line of attack.

That was illustrated as Town’s second goal was initiated by an astute throw out by the England Under 19 keeper set Michael Collins on his way and two smart passes later – via the boot of Anthony Pilkington – Gary Roberts had found the net.

“It is definitely something we are working on,” said Clarke of the 19-year-old stopper.

“Alex is fantastic when it comes to distribution, whether it be throwing the ball out, kicking from the floor or kicking out of his hands.

“What he has done this season has been top drawer and he is looking to get us moving as soon as he can.

“It is important for such a young goalkeeper to not get carried away, but I don’t think that will happen with Alex as he is a fantastic lad and has got his feet on the ground.

“But that goal last Saturday, when we went from end-to-end, was a lot down to Alex’s quick-thinking and his distribution – and then a couple of good passes and we had the ball in the net.”

Manager Lee Clark wants Town to maintain their attacking style but doesn’t want anyone thinking tomorrow’s clash with Hartlepool will be anything other than difficult.

“Harlepool are unbeaten in five in the league and in a decent position in the table, so they will be coming here full of confidence and aiming to make life difficult for us,” he said.

“It’s another game where we need to show the right attitude and application and, to be fair to the lads, they have been doing that.

“They are very upbeat and they’ve been playing well with maximum confidence levels, but we have to make sure now we don’t go over the top. We don’t want anyone thinking we’ve achieved what we want, because we haven’t achieved a single thing at this stage.”