HITMAN Craig Sargeson is hoping he finds his scoring boots to shoot Rossendale towards the top of the UniBond First Division table.

The highly-rated 21-year-old notched up 20 goals last season but Dale's title charge fell away after a blistering start to the campaign.

They have had a slower start this time - but Sargeson says it might work to their advantage.

This is especially as things started to go wrong following a good FA Cup run last time out - this season they disappointingly fell at the first hurdle in the cup but can focus on the number one goal.

"We didn't start well losing the first two games but we are unbeaten in five now except the FA Cup," said the youngster.

"I know the FA Cup loss is bad for the club with the finances but we did suffer last season because of it, especially with injuries, and maybe it is a blessing in disguise that we can focus on the league."

So far Sargeson has scored just one goal this season but has been playing out of position.

"I have been playing on the right or left wing for the first five games but for the last three I have been back up front.

"I don't mind playing on the wing, it's a job I have had to do, but I do prefer it up front."

He has been lined up alongside former Accrington Stanley player Gary Williams, who joined the Dark Lane outfit just after the season started and has got three goals so far.

"His pace helps a lot. I am not that fast so he makes up for me!

"He is a good outlet, he can get the ball, turn and be in their half before you know it."

Sargeson, if he can keep his place as a striker, has set himself a tough target for this season.

"I would love to get 25 goals. Last season, despite getting 20, I was disappointed a I felt too many of them were in the cup - there were not enough league goals.

"Now I want to get 25 in the league, be a bit more consistent. I would be happy with that."

And then he hopes Dale will be challenging for the title just two years after clinching the NWCL Division One championship.

"Perhaps it would be better if we did it a bit more quietly this season - just keep in there and then, by Christmas, see where it takes us.

"Last season maybe we did too well at the start and that put the pressure on.

"We just want to be there or thereabouts and then push on."

Dale are in league action tomorrow when they welcome Ossett Town to Dark Lane.

The West Yorkshire outfit have already got one over on Dale this season beating them with two late goals. "We owe them one. We should have won that." added Sargeson.