With eight goals in his seven last appearances, all eyes at Darlington are on the in-form Luke Charman, who is joint-top scorer in the National League North.

Fellow striker Jake Cassidy, however, has been crucial to Charman’s goal glut, believes manager Alun Armstrong.

The summer signing from York City is an aerial threat, does not shy away from the physical aspects of the game and is proving to be the ideal foil for Charman.

“Cass is playing a massive role. I said to Luke on day one that Cass would be brilliant for him,” said Armstrong, whose team are at home to 13th-placed Leamington on Saturday.

“Luke is great at running with the ball, and Cass is a different class at playing with his back to goal, and he pulls defenders away which frees up Luke.

“The pairing is working brilliantly and hopefully it will continue.

“Luke did great for us on the left when we put him there, but we need him through the middle because that’s where he causes chaos. And with Cass up top with him, it’s like a free role for Luke.”

Charman’s goal against Chorley last weekend, a close-range header, came after Cassidy headed the balk back across goal after a cross by Joe Wheatley.

Armstrong added: “Jake is a good, honest lad who will run his socks off for the team. He does so much unselfish stuff it is ridiculous – I’ve been there myself and sometimes you can do too much. I’ve seen it with Jake, going everywhere to make a difference.

“He’s not a 20-goals a season striker, but he brings something to the team that we’ve been crying out for since I’ve been here.”

After sitting in the stand for last week's game at Chorley, Armstrong plans to be back in the dug-out on Saturday. He has been recovering from hernia surgery.