Former Derby County youngster Charles Vernam scored an EFL goal of the season contender during Grimsby Town’s 3-2 midweek victory over Colchester United.
Vernam came through the Derby youth ranks and featured for the U23s.
The 23-year-old striker enjoyed loan spells in Iceland, at Coventry City and later Grimsby Town before making a permanent move to the League Two club.
Vernam has since settled in Cleethorpes. And he enjoyed his best game of his career in midweek, netting a hattrick including a goal of the season contender.
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Vernam picked up the ball on the edge of his own box. After running the length of the pitch and waltzing past three challenges, he found the bottom corner with a clean strike.
It was a goal worthy of winning any football match.
The former Derby academy star showed such potential at Pride Park. However, he was coming through during a time when breaking in was difficult at the club.
Between 2014 to 2018, Derby were pushing for promotion to the Premier League and spent big in the process. Squad size grew, restricting opportunities for the youngsters.
Under current manager Phillip Cocu, the Rams have pushed focus back on the academy.
Players such as Jason Knight, Max Bird, Max Lowe, Morgan Whittaker and Louie Sibley are being given first team opportunities and a path to succeed.
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