YOUNG striker Tom Corner was delighted to make his full debut for Grimsby Town in the away win at Darlington and is now targeting a regular place in Neil Woods' matchday squad.

The absence of forward Michael Coulson (ankle), coupled with both Lee Peacock and Charles Ademeno not being fully fit, gave the York-born teenager his opportunity to shine after a substitute appearance in the defeat to Hayes & Yeading United.

And the Mariners manager obliged, giving Corner the nod to partner Alan Connell in the north-east.

The 18-year-old didn't disappoint, either, and received warm applause from the 300-plus travelling Town fans when he came off after an hour of the contest.

He has followed that up with impressive substitute appearances at Rushden & Diamonds on Saturday, and at Blundell Park against Histon on Monday.

But he admits his full debut last week is a night he won't forget in a hurry, and now wants more playing time in the season ahead.

Corner, pictured right, said: "I was really happy to get a start.

"It was a big game to come into really but I really enjoyed it – especially getting the win as well.

"It's a massive boost to have someone like the gaffer who believes in you.

"He's not scared to chuck youngsters in and it's a good club to be at because of that.

"It's a massive incentive to other young players coming through that players like Nathan (Dixon) and I have been given a chance to play.

"The fans are quality and gave me a great reception when I went off.

"I've just got to keep working hard and try to keep myself in and around the team.

"I can only do my best and hopefully keep in the gaffer's thoughts."

Corner bagged seven goals for the Youth team in 2009/10 – helping them to lift the Midlands Floodlit Youth Cup in the process.

Now he has made the step up after being awarded a one-year pro deal this summer.

And he says playing alongside more experienced frontmen like Connell can only help improve his game.

He went on: "Alan spoke to me before the game giving me advice.

"He helped me a lot and he's a good player to play with speaking during the match as well.

"I liked playing with him and I think we linked up well.

"To take maximum points from away games at teams like Crawley and Darlington at the beginning of the season is great for us – you've got to be happy with that. Not many teams will win at their places.

"Hopefully we can keep it up."