Hero of the hour Clarke hailed by Town boss

The 29-year-old had been suffering with a back injury since midway through the first half but turned down two opportunities to leave the field before following up Danny Cadamarteri’s effort and plundering the goal that keeps Huddersfield second, a point above in-form Peterborough. with nine games to go.

Clarke was one of manager Lee Clark’s key signings 18 months ago, and the manager said: “Thankfully the players didn’t stop when they thought Danny’s shot was in, they carried on and Peter did very well as he was struggling big style with his back.

“I was on the verge of taking him off and putting Tom Clarke on after 25 minutes of the first half, but Peter said no.

“I was ready to do the same at half-time but Peter asked for another go and it was fitting that a captain as brave as him put the ball in the net at the end.

“That sums him up in a nutshell – he is so reliable and he’s been an outstanding signing for me. He’s everything I expected and more.

“It’s amazing we got him on a Bosman as he leads the team both on and off the field; he gets the lads together and he’s been magnificent.”

The victory extends Huddersfield’s run to 16 league games without defeat – a sequence that stretches back to December 28 – but with Peterborough breathing down their necks, Clark is asking for his side to continue the momentum with home games against Swindon on Saturday and Notts County next on the schedule.

“It was a really dramatic win and the lads have done well,” added Clark.

“It’s been a brilliant five days – we’ve got to know each other even better, took six points and kept two clean sheets away from home.

“Now we have consecutive home fixtures and we have to make the most of them.”

Sheffield United have failed in their attempt to overturn Lee Williamson’s four-match ban. The Blades submitted an appeal after the midfielder was sent off for a second time this season in last Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Watford, but the Football Association have confirmed the decision of referee Dean Whitestone will stand.

Doncaster Rovers midfielder Paul Keegan has been told he will miss the remainder of the campaign after undergoing a cartilage operation just two months after signing for the club.

Leroy Lita could miss the rest of Middlesbrough’s season with a hamstring injury.

A scan has revealed the 26-year-old suffered a severe tear to the injury sustained at the weekend.