Lee Clarke made a surprise return to action on Saturday – less than three weeks after suffering an injury that left him unable to walk.

The City captain looked set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines when he injured his back in the penultimate pre-season friendly with Cheshunt. The stricken 25-year-old left the field on a stretcher and was taken to Peterborough Hospital.

Scans thankfully showed Clarke had only suffered severe bruising, causing the striker to breathe a huge sigh of relief.

"I thought I'd something serious," said Clarke.

"When I collided with their keeper I landed on it and I didn't know where the pain was coming from. I tried to get up but I just collapsed. I had shooting pains down my right leg and, at that, stage, I feared the worse. I couldn't move and when I was finally able to walk, I was walking like an old man.

"There was a bit of confusion as to whether it was bruising or bone, but it just turned out it was severe bruising, thankfully. It's still painful but I thought it was going to be a lot worse and that I was going to be out for a while.

"No-one likes missing games, especially me. I think in the four-and-half-years I have been here this is only the second time I have been out through injury. It's been frustrating."

Much to manager Steve Castle's relief, Clarke returned earlier than expected and played the last 24 minutes of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Dorchester Town. Castle is hoping the return of Clarke helps ease their worries in front of goal. City have scored just two goals in their first three games and have missed a host of chances.

"As a striker and the club captain I'm always going to be under pressure but I'm used to it and I don't mind it," said Clarke who has found the net 91 times in 199 games for City.

"The goals have not flowed as freely as I would have liked in recent seasons, which is why I'm not setting myself any targets.

"My role in the side has changed over the last two seasons, I'm more of a second striker but I'm confident I can score goals at this level and there is no reason why I should not be getting 25 plus."

Clarke, James Quilter, Jonathan Hunt and Paul Hakim all squandered opportunities at the Avenue Stadium on Saturday, although Hakim did find the net after just nine minutes.

"We can't worry about missing chances because eventually they will start to go in and then we'll hopefully go on a run," said Clarke.

"Paul Hakim and Simon Martin are proven at this level, I'm back now and we've also got Tom Youngs on the bench. We are not panicking."

Clarke, Hakim and Martin are vying for the two striking spots, although Castle may opt to play all three, with Clarke deployed in an advanced midfield role.

"I've played enough with both of them to be able to combine with either," said Clarke. "We've known each other for a while and we know what to expect from each other. It won't be a problem, if I'm asked to play in midfield. I feel I'm capable of playing deeper and I like getting on the ball more. I'd gladly do it if asked. It's a possibility."

Clarke's fitness will be put to the test over the Bank Holiday weekend. City entertain Chelmsford on Saturday before travelling to Maidenhead on Monday.

"We need to turn Clarence Park into a fortress and start performing better at home," said Clarke. "Chelmsford are a very, very good side and they have spent a bit of money. But they'll look at our team and be wary of us. We have got players who can hurt them. We know a lot about Maidenhead and it’s never an easy place to go," he added.

"We have not got a great record there but it's a winnable game."