Francis Vines has every reason to be happy at Crawley despite his regular role as a substitute.

The veteran marksman has played an influential part in the club's recovery from basement boys to top-of-table promotion challengers.

Vines scored twice on his debut as Reds beat Rothwell 4-0 to climb off the bottom 11 months ago and on Tuesday climbed off the bench to score twice at Dorchester to put his side top of the premier division.

He might not be guaranteed inclusion on manager Billy Smith's teamsheet, but there is never a murmur of discontent from the 38-year-old forward. In fact, supersub Frankie is satisfied with his lot.

He said: "I've enjoyed every moment of my time here. Of course, it can be frustrating sitting there and watching the other boys playing, but it's great to be part of the success.

"We've got some lovely lads here and with us being top of the table there's a big buzz around the place. But there was a positive vibe when I first came."

Vines' move to Crawley was prompted by a chance meeting at a service station with Smith in the Midlands last October. Reds were returning from a 1-0 defeat against Halesowen, while Vines was making his way home from Nuneaton with Sutton United. A week later he made his goalscoring debut.

It looked as though Vines would be surplus to requirements during the close season. Smith had to trim his squad, but Vines was retained after Jay Lovett moved to Brentford in an £85,000 deal.

The striker said: "I would've retired had Crawley not been able to keep me, but I'm pleased that never happened. Nights like Tuesday is what it's all about. Had someone said in the afternoon, while I was sitting at home sheltering from the heavy rain, that I'd come off the bench and score twice to put us top I'd have been ecstatic. I was ecstatic."

Vines' place on the bench epitomises Reds' strength in-depth. Crawley are even managing to cope without injured regulars Keith Sharman and Ian Payne.

When Smith took over last season, Reds had picked up just two points from ten matches. This season, they have collected 20 out of a possible 27.

Vines said: "If we get 20 points out of every 27, then there's a serious chance we're going to win the title, but we're not getting carried away. Leagues aren't won in September."

Smith will be without Sharman and Payne again tomorrow for the home game against Merthyr Tydfil, while Danny Carroll is suspended.

Clinton More is finally available for selection for Langney Sports after serving a lengthy selection.

The marksman is unlikely to be thrown straight into the squad tomorrow for the Wisbech fixture, but should figure on Tuesday night against Newport IoW.