Whittlesey Athletic boss Andy Lodge is backing veteran striker Liam Harrold to hit an ambitious United Counties League Division One goal target.

The 35-year-old frontman scored for the second successive match when grabbing Whittlesey’s winner in a 2-1 triumph at Buckingham Town last Saturday.

Harrold struck just before the hour as Lodge’s men completed a comeback started by an Adam Piergianni leveller after being behind early on.

Lodge said: “Liam is confident he can get to 30 goals this season if avoiding injuries – and I certainly wouldn’t bet against him doing it.

“His finishing is different class and there is no-one else I would want a chance to fall to in the box.

“He looks fitter than he has ever done and the football at this level, with more quality and a quicker tempo, suits him.

“He might not run channels, but he has great hold-up play and will put the ball in the back of the net.”

The win at Buckingham lifted Whittlesey to fourth place in the standings as they smoothly settle into life at Step 6 level. They have two more away tests in the coming days with a visit to lowly Burton Park Wanderers tomorrow followed by a Tuesday trip to Raunds.

Lodge added: “We had to graft at Buckingham and there will be a lot of games like that this season.

“It wasn’t pretty but you have to earn every goal and point in this league.”