HOTSHOT Lee McEvilly is celebrating being back on the goal trail.

The striker had gone six league games without a goal before firing Accrington Stanley to third in the Nationwide Conference with his first hat-trick in over three years.

But while he revealed he hasn't got on the scoresheet as many times as he would like, the selfless Northern Ireland international admits he isn't solely motivated by personal glories.

"It was a good feeling to get my first hat-trick for Accrington, but it's not all about my hat-tricks or my goals," he said.

"I'm a bit disappointed I've not scored more goals this season but I've been playing wide left and it's all about the formation and the team.

"We were hitting a bit of a slump, so getting five goals is pleasing, and getting three for myself is pleasing.

"You want to score as many as you can, but it's more about the team than myself. If the team's winning and I'm playing well, that's what it's all about."

The 22-year-old, who last scored a hat-trick while playing for non-league Burscough, now hopes the attacking role he has been handed in the last two games will inspire the Reds to maintain their promotion push.

"We were eighth before the game and we jumped to third, so that shows how good this league is," said the former Rochdale centre forward.

"There are good teams who will take points off everyone so we've got to hang in there.

"We've got Barnet on Saturday and we're good enough to win that game."

McEvilly admitted that he hasn't set any goal targets for the season. But, after taking his tally to eight in all competitions so far, the striker is looking forward to seeing his partnership with Paul Mullin flourish.

"I've been playing centre forward again and working in training with Paul, and we do work well together. It could be the start of something good," he said.

"Paul's not the fastest but he is a good target man and a good player to play alongside.

"He's got eight goals now, so as long as me and him keep scoring I'm sure we'll win games.

"And there's Lutel James as well, who's a good forward and sharp."

Meanwhile, McEvilly revealed how a pre-match prediction from manager John Coleman could have paved the way for his treble strike.

"He said to me before the game 'I can smell goals in you'," he explained.

"He told me not to get bored of scoring goals and get out there and do what I can do."

Coleman added: "I said to Lee before the game that I wouldn't be surprised if he got a hat-trick.

"When you're playing up front you've got to be hungry and get your goals."