Ref. 29591-78TOMMY MOONEY is gunning for his best ever goals haul to shoot Town to the automatic promotion spot that his manager's sights are firmly fixed upon.

The striker, nicknamed 'The Gun,' scored both goals in a 2-0 victory over Grimsby at the County Ground last night, a result which leaves Andy King's men just six points adrift of second-placed Queens Park Rangers.

Mooney has now rifled home 20 goals in his first Town campaign, with 10 league matches still to play.

His healthiest total for one season stands at 22 in all competitions.

He is delighted to be within sight of that target but is adamant that his job is far from done.

The 32-year-old said: "This is only the second season that I've played upfront completely.

"It's pleasing that in the two years that I have operated solely as a striker, I've got 22 and 20 respectively, with games still to play this year of course."

Mooney has high standards and is dedicated to making sure he reaches them.

He said: "During the difficult spell I had, people said I could still get 15 goals and that I'd have been happy with that at the start of the season.

"I wouldn't have been happy with 15 goals. I came here to do a job.

"As a striker you want to get into the 20s.

"If you're getting into the 20s then you're doing your job.

"That's 38 goals between Sam and I. We're going a long way to having a good year between us.

"If it's Sam's turn to score at Wrexham on Saturday, then great, I just hope if and when we go to Cardiff, it's my turn."

Mooney's manager was delighted to see his players bounce back from their defeat at Plymouth and complete the double over the Mariners last night.

Victory brought another three points towards at least the play-off spot which King believes is Town's to blow.

As for any nerves and questions over character in the run-in, King will hear none of it.

He said: "In the sense of them losing it, I don't think it's going to happen. I think there is too much spirit, too much desire and too much quality.

"Automatic promotion is still a mathematical possibility and that's what we're striving for."

The only sour note for King last night was Brian Howard's dismissal for a reckless tackle that will see him sidelined for the crucial Easter period.