Clarke (left) and Hatch are both on-loan to Quakers boss Dave Penney

Darlington manager Dave Penney has praised the striking partnership of Liam Hatch and Billy Clarke following Saturday's 6-0 win at Macclesfield.

Clarke hit four goals and Hatch was lively as the Quakers ran riot and Penney believes the duo have given his side a new focus up front.

"The combination - big man, little man - it gives you another option, and we got that option," he told BBC Tees.

"That's their first game together and hopefully they'll only get better."

Clarke joined Darlington on-loan from Championship side Ipswich Town ahead of the season's opener against Exeter City while Hatch completed his loan-switch to the club from Stockport County in late August.

Summer transfer activity has bolstered the Darlington squad to an extent that Penney was able to bring quality off the bench to freshen his side up during the game.

Having seen his side slip away from promotion last season due to injuries and suspensions, Penney is now happy he has the depth to cope with the rigours of a 46-game campaign.

"All of a sudden we're adding people and we're looking stronger as a squad," he said.

"I didn't have the luxury of bringing a Gregg Blundell or an Adam Proudlock off the bench or [Robin] Hulbert or [Ryan] Valentine before."