MASON IN MOOD TO FIRE UP MK

MK DONS may have waved goodbye to two of their most potent attacking options this month, but Joe Mason’s Tuesday treble proved they have plenty of firepower left in their ranks.

- Peter White

Manager Russell Martin was a dealt a blow when Carlton Morris and Stephen Walker departed following successful loan spells, handing Mason the opportunity of a first league start since October against Fleetwood in mid-week.

And the 29-year-old duly emerged out of the shadows to grasp his chance with both hands, netting a 24-minute firsthalf hat-trick to guide his team to a 3-1 win, and quash any doubts that he can be the man to fill the void up front.

Persistent injuries have interrupted much of Mason’s 18 months at Stadium MK, but the former Republic of Ireland youth inter national believes he is back to his best, and ready for a regular starting berth.

“It’s nice to be scoring again because it’s been a while,” Mason said. “Going into the game I was desperate to make an impression. Once the first goal went in early on I gained a lot of confidence, which helped me grab two more.