IT was interesting to hear Newport County AFC top scorer Scott Boden mention criticism in the Argus as a motivating factor in his recent run of good form.

The striker netted his 13th goal of the season and his fifth in the past four games to seal all three points against Mansfield Town on Saturday.

And, asked what he put his streak down to, Boden replied: “I read a couple of things in the paper a few months back I didn’t like regarding my inconsistency.

"From a personal point of view, I don’t think I’d played a lot of games.”

I assume the article he’s referring to is my match report from the Boxing Day defeat at Barnet when Boden missed a couple of good chances and County were eventually beaten 2-0.

Afterwards I wrote: “Up front, with Zak Ansah and Oliver McBurnie gone, Boden inconsistent and John-Lewis consistent but not a regular goal threat, Sheridan’s options are limited at the moment.”

A lot has changed since then with John-Lewis injured, John Sheridan being replaced by Warren Feeney and loan star Conor Wilkinson making a big impact since his arrival – all of which have worked in Boden’s favour.

And, in fairness to the former Halifax Town front man, he had made 14 starts and 13 substitute appearances at that stage and scored seven goals.

Since Boxing Day he’s hit six goals in eight starts and one substitute appearance.

And he’s managed to put glaring misses against Blackburn Rovers and Carlisle United behind him and continue to get in the right place at the right time to score vital goals.

So Scott, if you’re reading this, I’m delighted to have been proved wrong and happy to have inspired you to fire County towards safety!

I also wrote last week that you could score 20 goals this season and I’d be equally pleased to be proved right this time.