COLNEY Heath joint boss Scott Lacey praised teenager Aaron Clarke after his second goal in three games set the Magpies on the way to derby victory on Saturday. Clarke has enjoyed an eventful few weeks after making his debut as a substitute

COLNEY Heath joint boss Scott Lacey praised teenager Aaron Clarke after his second goal in three games set the Magpies on the way to derby victory on Saturday.

Clarke has enjoyed an eventful few weeks after making his debut as a substitute and then forcing his way into the starting line up to replace the injured Phil Jackman. Against Biggleswade Town in September, Clarke, aged 18, came off the bench to set up the equaliser and then had a hand in the winning goal. He then scored his first goal for the Magpies at Brimsdown Rovers and notched his second on Saturday to cancel out Welwyn's first-half advantage. Lacey said: "For a young lad Aaron has come on a bundle. I call him fearless because it doesn't matter what size the defender is, he gets up and wins the headers. Phil Jackman will now have a real fight on his hands to get the shirt off Aaron.

"Aaron did get some of the stick at half time on Saturday and he responded with a superb 45 minutes to get us back into the game. He epitomises what this club is all about."

Lacey also praised the contribution of former Welwyn Garden City player Carl Ashton who has made a big impact at the Magpies since joining. Ashton played on the right flank on Saturday and Lacey said: "He is quality on set plays. His delivery must be one of the best in the league and that is where we got our first goal from on Saturday.