MAN on a mission Lee Bullock got his ten-goal quest for the season off to a dream start by scoring the fastest goal of the opening day.

Bullock, who has set himself a target of double figures for the campaign, scored after just 58 seconds on Saturday as City beat Carlisle 2-1 at Brunton Park.

The 22-year-old, who was drafted up front alongside assistant player-coach Lee Nogan, saw his initial diving header saved.

Christian Fox also saw his follow-up cleared on the line before Bullock stabbed it home at the second attempt.

"I couldn't have asked for a better start," he confessed.

"I couldn't believe the keeper saved my first header but fortunately Foxy rolled it back to me. That's nine to go now."

Echoing the pre-match sentiments of skipper Darren Edmondson, Bullock revealed City's determination to prove the snipers wrong.

"It's a massive win and the lads were overjoyed in the dressing room after the game," he said.

"It takes a lot of pressure off the gaffer because he has taken a lot of unjust criticism.

"We know everyone is writing us off but we haven't got a clue why and we just want to go out and prove people wrong.

"In the first half we passed it well and created some good chances.

"In the second-half, we knew from last season we can defend and hold on for points if we have to."

Updated: 11:45 Monday, August 11, 2003