CENTRAL defender David Mirfin will miss Town's next two matches.

The 20-year-old was dismissed in last night's 3-0 home defeat by Port Vale for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity to Nathan Lowndes.

Mirfin conceded a penalty in the process and, while the offence carries only a one-match ban as punishment, it is doubled because it's his second dismissal of the season.

Mirfin, who also walked at MK Dons, will sit out Saturday's trip to Barnsley (3.00) and Monday's home clash with Gillingham, when the midfield duo of Mark Hudson and Chris Brandon are also suspended.

Jackson will be forced to call up one of Martin McIntosh, Tom Clarke or John McCombe for the trip to Barnsley, whose game at Bournemouth last night was one of 17 postponed because of the icy weather.

"I thought Mirf's red was a bit harsh, but that's how things escalate when you've gone to sleep at a corner and then tried to play offside on half way," added Jackson.