HAVING found the net for only the fourth time this season, Darlington striker Nathan Cartman admitted scoring on Saturday has given him a boost and now he wants to do it with more regularity.

He had been dropped by manager Martin Gray, but made a significant impact after coming off the bench against Gloucester City, turning the game in Quakers’ favour by scoring the first goal inside the final ten minutes and setting up the second for a 2-0 win.

His goal was converted at close quarters with the goalkeeper grounded, but Cartman had no qualms with the manner of the strike, saying: “I needed it, but the chances have not been falling for me really.

“My performances have been alright, but I needed a goal and I came off the bench and got it.

“It’s not been the greatest season for goals, but I’ve been in and out of the team and it’s hard to come into the team for two games and then go out again, you can’t really get into some form.

“But that’s down to Martin and how he wants to play against certain opposition. It’s about the team and not individuals.

“The last four years I’ve scored over 20 goals a season and last year I was top scorer. I wouldn’t say I’ve found it difficult this season, but I’ve not scored as many as I’d have liked.

“I think I’ve settled into the league well, but I’d like to score a few more.

“I noticed Martin called me a fox in the box in his interview after the match. You could say that. I’m never going to score a goal like Phil Turnbull did, but I’m happy scoring tap-ins.”

He will hope for goal number five when Quakers head to Stockport County on Saturday, while team-mate Turnbull can thank the striker for teeing up his first goal for the club.

A half-volley from 18 yards was a stunning way to get off the mark, and Cartman added: “I was going to run into the corner, but when I saw Phil running through I thought do I pass or not? He was in on goal so I thought I’d better slide him in, and his finish was unbelievable.

“It’s what he can do, he has that technique. He does it in training, but he’s never really had an opportunity to do it in a match.”

Supporters are well aware of Cartman’s danger in front of goal having seeing him score frequently in his two years as a Quaker.

The second anniversary of his arrival from Harrogate RA was on Saturday, the goal being the ideal way to mark the occasion.

“I heard the fans when I came on, and they sang my name after I’d scored,” said Cartman.

“It’s nice and I appreciate the support they’ve shown me over the two years. It was difficult at the start, but I’ve taken a few fans off my back.

“The highlights have got to be the promotions, obviously. I scored in the play-off final, and then we had Whitby away when we absolutely demolished them. Salford away, Salford home, there’s been loads of great moments, a lot more than the negatives.

“Another promotion would top it off nicely. My contract is up at the end of the season, but there is an option on it so we’ll have to see what happens.

“We’ve got to kick on now on the back of Saturday’s result, go to Stockport and get three points.”