PETER JACKSON today hailed Town's trio of award winners as he began the countdown to Friday's crucial Hartlepool showdown.

Homegrown players Nathan Clarke and Jon Worthington have joined a prize-winning list led by Academy manager Gerry Murphy.

The long-serving Irishman received the Contribution to Football prize at the Football League's inaugural awards ceremony in London, reflecting his 18 years at the club.

Now skipper Worthington has been named Powerade League I Player of the Month while Clarke is included in the League's 50 top players list.

Consistent centre-back Clarke was also named in the latest League I Team of the Week.

"Gerry's award reflects the terrific work he has done with the Academy, and you just have to look at our teamsheet to see that," said Jackson.

"Nathan's talent is no secret, and his inclusion in the top 50 list is fully justified.

"I'm also delighted for Worthy that he has won the Player of the Month prize for February.

"He follows in the footsteps of Efe Sodje and Jon Stead as a winner.

"It's great to see his efforts rewarded like this, because he doesn't always get the credit he deserves.

"As my captain, he is at the heart of the team and always leads by example.

"He also scored two goals last month (in the wins over Colchester and MK Dons) and his made a big contribution to putting us in a position from which we can make a real promotion bid."

Town are second, but will drop to third if Brentford beat Yeovil tonight.

Jackson was at Chesterfield this afternoon to see Town Reserves play Sheffield United in the Pontin's Holidays League.

Pawel Abbott missed out after his back problem flared up again in the wake of his 10-minute run-out as a substitute in Saturday's 2-2 home draw with Doncaster.

But midfielder Michael Collins was back in action after missing out against Rovers because of a knee injury.

Jackson has released trialist Jason St Juste after three Reserve outings, saying: "I didn't think he would give us anything we don't already have."

Reserves: Rachubka, Walls, Hand, Hardy, McCombe, Ahmed, Collins, Hudson, Young, McAliskey, Highley.