KIERAN GREEN admits it was "a weight off" scoring on Tuesday and says he is optimistic about York City's firepower this season.

A summer signing from Blyth Spartans, Green headed in his first of the campaign to ensure the Minstermen's 3-0 victory over his former side.

The attacking midfielder scored seven for Blyth last season and is targeting double figures this campaign.

"It's massive," he said of the confidence boost from the goal. "When the gaffer wants you to score goals it's a bit of a weight off your back and hopefully I'll score a few more."

Deployed behind Jordan Burrow and Alex Kempster, Green was denied a first-half goal by stopper Nathan Harker , who just pushed over his whistling effort from inside the area.

"They're two great lads," said Green about the strike partners. "They will graft for you, so if we can get good service into them and get the midfielders pushing on as well we should score a good few goals this season."

Keeper Peter Jameson was another player returning to previous employers Blyth. Macaulay Langstaff - who spent time on loan at Croft Park - came off the bench, while injured striker Dan Maguire was also present at the game. Maguire was prolific for Blyth, scoring 159 goals in 310 games.

On coming back to the North East, Green added: "It was good. Good to go there, and the lads who were there last season got a good reception.

"You just want to get in the box, create goalscoring opportunities and score as many goals as you can."

Green is likely to start today's game at home to Leamington (3pm), as he did at Blyth, with manager Steve Watson keen not to rush Maguire back from a knee injury - and it will present another chance to build towards his 10-plus goal target for the season.

"That's always the target for a midfielder," he said. "Hopefully I'll get there as soon as possible.

"I'm delighted to open the account.

"At the back end of last season, I scored a couple. I had a good season and and the gaffer's urging me to push on and try to get a few more.

"I played 40-odd games last season so hopefully I can take that experience into the season.

"We had a tough pre-season and we've started the season well, hopefully keep that going all the way through.

"We've got a good group here and we need to keep a strong changing room.

"All you can do is take one game as it comes. It's a cliche but it's all you can do. If you win the next game all season, you win the league."