TOWN manager Peter Jackson today told his squad that places are up for grabs in the Coca-Cola League I campaign.

Jackson watched a strong side win 2-1 against Bradford Park Avenue with goals from Tony Carss and John McAliskey.

Rested with Lee Fowler were Adnan Ahmed, John McCombe, Joe Walsh, Michael Collins, Nat Brown and trialists Akpo Sodje and Steve Haslam.

Jackson fielded Andy Booth and Junior Mendes alongside each other in attack for the first time - creating debate among fans that they might be the pairing against Stockport on opening day on August 7 - but Jackson insisted planning is still very much ongoing.

"Places are up for grabs, nothing has been decided and it's up to individual players to show me they are worth a place," said the manager, whose team visit non-League Harrogate Town on Saturday (3.00).

"After the Harrogate game we've got Rotherham (at Millmoor on Tuesday) and Macclesfield next week and, by then, I will have a clear picture of who is pushing themselves forward.

"I've been pleased with our build-up so far and last night was okay, although we know we can play a lot better.

"That's why we schedule these friendlies, though, so that we can build up to the season proper and - with the exception of David Mirfin, who took a couple of knocks - we came through with only a few bumps and bruises, which is encouraging.

"We have had no pulls or strains so far, which is testament to how fit the lads are and how hard they have worked since we returned."

Carss scored after seven minutes and McAliskey on 61, just four minutes after going on as a substitute.

"Tony's was a great finish and young Macca showed what he is capable of in creating a chance for himself with a well-timed run and then finishing it off really coolly," added Jackson.

"Boothy and Junior Mendes worked hard together (Booth and Abbott started at Middlesbrough last Saturday), although I still think we can use Junior's pace to better effect, but we were always going to change things around to give lads a run and I'm pleased with our fitness levels at the moment.

"There is still more to come and strong competition for places in all departments should bring the best out in people."

Jackson had special mention for goal- keeper Ian Gray, who played his second full match back from injury against Carl Shutt's Conference North side.

"Trigger (Gray's nickname) did really well and I was pleased with all aspects of his game," said Jackson.

"He commanded the box when the ball came in, saved at close quarters when he had to and I thought his kicking was absolutely outstanding all night, which is a big help to the defence."

Around 800 of the 1,000 estimated attendance were Town fans and Jackson is delighted his local pre-season programme is attracting such interest.

"Loads and loads of fans turned out at Emley and it was the same on Monday over at Ossett Town," he said.

"It's great for the players to see so many fans following them around and it was no different last night.

"The fans, in fact, have been brilliant throughout the last year and, since we won in the play-off final in Cardiff they have just been riding the crest of a wave."

Jackson's squad were reporting for an afternoon training session today.