FORWARD Macauley Langstaff is hopeful that he can keep his place in the York City starting eleven for Saturday’s trip to Southport, believing that a prolonger run in the side will bring about his best form.

Langstaff has had to wait patiently for his opportunities this season, but finally got his first goal of the league campaign in Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Bradford Park Avenue having been restored to the starting 11.

There had previously been speculation that Langstaff would make a loan move to Darlington earlier in the campaign, akin to last season’s spell at Blyth which brought about an upturn in his fortunes later on with the Minstermen.

However, the persistent injury problems to Dan Maguire prevented the switch and has seen Langstaff back into the fold in recent weeks.

Upon scoring against Bradford PA, “relief” was the 22-year-old’s overriding emotion.

“It’s been a long time coming to get my first league goal of the season,” Langstaff said.

“I thought in the Boxing Day game (against Bradford PA), this is my chance to get off the mark as I got a start, but it didn’t happen then.

“But, to get it in this game, I was just buzzing.

“It’s been frustrating since pre-season really as I missed a large chunk of pre-season. I started a little bit behind.

“At the start of the season, we were winning every week and fair play to Jordan (Burrow) and Alex (Kempster) for their form.

“I had to be patient. I’ve been in and out of the squad, which has been a little bit frustrating.

“But, I’ve been happy to get a couple of starts in the past couple of games and to get a goal too.

“I think if I can get run of games, I will get goals and get my match sharpness back.

“You can train all week, but you don’t have that match fitness.

“I think going out on loan can be a good option for the lads that aren’t playing, for them to get a run of games in the team. I’ve been working hard training and trying to prepare the best that I can.”

Asked about his confidence on whether he’s done enough to keep his place in the side, Langstaff replied: “Ultimately, it’s the manager’s decision. If he thinks that the 3-5-2 formation gives us the best chance of beating Southport, then that’s his decision.

“Obviously, I do want play, but if I do drop out then I’ll support the lads fully.

“But, I am hoping that this is the start of a good run in the team.”

City fans will be hopeful that Langstaff’s recent strike is only the first of several for City this year and can be the solution to their dry spell in front of goal.

Just three goals have come their past five National League North matches and no other top six side has scored less than York.

“I think we do have to test the goalkeeper more,” continued Langstaff.

“We were moving the ball from side to side and getting into some good areas, but not really testing the goalkeeper.

“But he (Watson) does drill it into us every day. All week in training we’ve been working on our finishing and ways that we can get in behind the defence and test the keeper.

“It is frustrating when we don’t test the keeper because we’ve definitely got the players to do that.

“We need to get our shots, get into better areas and make more of the chances.”