Town boss Micky Mellon backs striker Scott Vernon to keep up good form

Vernon, a summer sighing from Aberdeen, had failed to find the net in 16 league appearances for Town prior to last Saturday's 2-0 home win over AFC Wimbledon.

But he snapped the unenviable run against The Dons, having been played at the tip of the diamond in a new formation introduced by Mellon at the weekend.

Vernon rubber-stamped a fine win for Town, netting the team's second goal on 49 minutes after Liam Lawrence had fired them ahead.

And Mellon, whose side were due to face Tranmere away this afternoon, said: "He has had to be patient because the team has been doing so well and he hasn't had the opportunities to come in - or when he has had those opportunities he will be the first one to admit he hasn't scored.

"His performances have always been good, he is a very, very good footballer, but when we pick players in certain areas of the pitch we require them to score goals.

"We would like him to score more goals and when he is adding goals to his performances he's as good a player as we have here.

"He is technically excellent, knows the game very well and does the job we want somebody to do in that area of the pitch. He fits the bill.

"I hope those performances carry on and I'm sure they will because he has always trained well."

Saturday's win against Wimbledon also saw midfielder Jordan Clark restored to the starting XI for the first time since October.

Clark has been limited to substitute appearances in recent months having slipped behind Bobby Grant in the pecking order but he played every minute against The Dons.

And Mellon, who knew Clark from their time together at Barnsley previously, said: "He is a kid that I have known for a long time and I'm pleased he's got in the team. He has been brilliant and very patient in training.

"While he was out of the side he did all the work needed to make sure he was ready when he did get an opportunity and I think he took that opportunity against Wimbledon.

"But we have lots of good players at the football club and Jordan knows he has to now keep it up.

It's healthy for any club to have competition for places and if he doesn't continue to perform he'll find himself as a back-up player again."