Huddersfield Town v Dagenham & Red: Play-offs hold no fears for Clark as Saints hit back to move second

The Terriers are locked in a two-way fight for second place with Southampton ahead of today’s full programme of League One fixtures.

Clark’s side spent 24 hours in the second automatic promotion place after beating MK Dons on Good Friday before being replaced by Saints following their own stunning win at leaders and already promoted Brighton & Hove Albion.

It was very nearly the perfect Saturday for Town as Brighton took a 1-0 lead into the closing stages of the match, but two late goals gave Southampton a crucial victory.

With Nigel Adkins’ men having a game in hand – at bottom club Plymouth Argyle on May 2 – the south coast club are now considered by many to be favourites to clinch that all-important second place and miss out on the lottery of the play-off places.

Town, of course, are determined not to allow that to happen but if the Saints do prevail then Clark has the utmost confidence in his players that they will go on to clinch a place in next season’s Championship.

The Huddersfield manager said: “Success would be getting one of those three promotion positions. One has already gone to Brighton, who have been fantastic right across the season,” he said. “That leaves two places left – one automatic and the other through the play-offs. We want one of those two positions.

“We would obviously prefer automatic, as that would mean I can be laying on a beach somewhere come May 9.

“But if we have to go through the play-offs then so be it and I would have total faith in my players.”

Huddersfield lost to Millwall in the play-offs last season.

They host Dagenham & Redbridge today looking to extend their unbeaten run to 23 games, while Southampton host Hartlepool United.

Last six games: Huddersfield Town DWWDWW, Dagenham & Redbridge LLWLLL.

Referee: E Ilderton (Tyne & Wear).

Last time: Huddersfield Town 6 Dagenham & Redbridge 1; November 6, 2009; FA Cup.