HUDDERSFIELD Town's James Vaughan savoured a second career hat-trick but insisted: “I couldn’t have done it without Lee Novak.”
The popular on-loan Norwich player added to his three-goal haul for Crystal Palace against Portsmouth in 2010-11 to take his Town tally to 13.
“I have to give a huge amount of credit to Lee,” said the 24-year-old.
“He put two on a plate for me and created another couple of chances I probably should have put away.
“He was a dream to play with. He worked really hard and did really well.
“It was unfortunate he couldn’t get himself a goal.
“Lee is a great lad and a great player. Everyone knows how hard he works every game.
“I was desperate to get him a goal – now we’ll have to do it against Barnsley on Saturday!”
Winning at Bristol City means a point in the final game will keep Town in the Championship.
“This hat-trick was definitely a very important one for us,” added Vaughan.
“As a striker you enjoy every goal and I’m just glad they went in.
“Their keeper made two great saves off me, but thankfully he couldn’t keep those three out, and we’ve got a great victory.”
Vaughan struck twice within the first 13 minutes and explained: “I think in a few games we have started a bit slowly and put ourselves on the back foot.
“We knew that was something we needed to address. Thankfully we did that.”
After an injury-hit 2011-12 season, Vaughan made his 36th Town appearance at Ashton Gate and continued: “I’ve always thought I would be all right if I could get a run of games.
“I think in the past my injuries have occurred when I’ve been coming off the bench and not featuring so regularly, but playing so much this season has helped me a lot.
“Whenever I have had a niggle, the medical staff have been absolutely brilliant – taking care of me and getting me back within days.”
Vaughan is looking forward to playing in front of a bumper crowd against Barnsley and hailed the 1,546 Town fans who travelled to Bristol.
“In recent weeks – and throughout the season, to be fair – they have been fantastic,” he said.
“This is a brilliant club. Everyone has taken me in with open arms here and I’ve tried to do as much as I can by throwing myself into it.
“I want to do my bit in helping Town reach where they need to be.”
Click here to read our match report from Huddersfield Town's win at Bristol City
