JOHN Coleman knew it was only a matter of time before Jordan Clark broke his 2018 duck.

The Stanley midfielder had five goals going into Saturday’s game at Coventry City but had not been on the scoresheet since grabbing three goals in as many games in October.

Clark made up for lost time though by firing Stanley to second in League Two with his double.

“He gets a little bit of stick for his finishing by the rest of the players, and I must admit the staff,” said Coleman.

“I told him after the game that I had made a bold prediction that he would get his first goal of 2018. I didn’t say goals though, but thankfully he popped up with two, and two well taken goals.”

Sean McConville has been among the goals recently after a shorter drought, but missed Saturday’s win after failing a fitness test.

Coleman is not expecting the talisman to be sidelined for long, after sustaining a knock to his knee, but tonight’s visit of Crewe could be too soon.

“Sean’s just going to be a matter of time but once the pain is bearable he will be out there playing,” said the Reds boss, who added: “We’re carrying a few niggles.

“The weather’s not perfect for training so it might be a case of keeping them wrapped up in cotton wool.”