JOINT-TOP scorer Amari Morgan-Smith has admitted he should be out on his own at the head of York City’s goal charts, but also feels he has strong competition for this season’s golden boot.

Morgan-Smith claimed his third goal of the season during Saturday’s 2-0 victory against Stockport, moving him level with last term’s leading marksman Jon Parkin and midfield pair Simon Heslop and Sean Newton.

But City chief Gary Mills reckons the ex-Luton forward could have already netted 20 times this season - an assertion that Morgan-Smith understands, saying: “I could have had more goals - most definitely - and I want to score many more than I have done.

“It would be nice personally to become top goalscorer, but it’s good to see everyone chipping in and we’re not relying on one person. We’ve got good players all over the pitch, who can score at any time.”

Morgan-Smith’s curling 20-yard strike was the best of the nine he has contributed for City since his arrival in January, but he insisted it was not the first time he had netted in manner and hopes to do so again on a more regular basis, adding: “It was a nice finish and similar to the one I scored for Cheltenham against the gaffer when he was Wrexham manager.

“I like that one where you bend it in from the left side and, hopefully, I can try and copy that in the games to come.”

Morgan-Smith went on to insist he would continue to prioritise industry above all other aspects of his game, though, reasoning: “First and foremost, I work hard. That’s what I do.

“I don’t leave anything in the tank and leave everything out there on the pitch. The gaffer has had a word with me and has told me, if I don’t do that, it takes something away from my game, so I will continue to do it.”

While fellow weekend marksman Heslop might not be popular among certain sections of the City fan base, Morgan-Smith added that the former skipper retains the trust and support of his team-mates, which was evident in the reaction to his opening goal.

“The celebration spoke for itself really,” Morgan-Smith declared. “Hessie is a great individual and player, so we were happy for him getting that goal.

“He’s got three now this season like me and the gaffer is always telling us to pick up the second balls off Parky (Jon Parkin) and that’s what Hessie does.”

On the importance of following up the Stockport win, with three more home points against Gainsborough, Morgan-Smith confessed: “We have to take the game to them and, winning back-to-back home games would be massive for us.

“The fans come out in their numbers and that’s a big reason why I wanted to stay at York City. Their support is great for us and I want to repay them by getting a winning streak going now to creep up the table.”