(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)
By Matt Bishop
MAIDENHEAD UNITED striker Dave Tarpey wants to prove his doubters wrong by sustaining his goal scoring streak in the National League.
The 28-year-old set a National League South record last season by scoring 46 goals as the Magpies romped to the division’s title, but many speculated a step into the top tier of Non-League could prove too difficult for the prolific striker.
However, so far Tarpey is silencing his critics, and after a match-winning two-goal haul against Craig Harrison’s Hartlepool United on Saturday, the frontman wants to continue his rich vein of form.
Speaking to Radio Berkshire, Tarpey said: “A few people were saying ‘could he make the step up?’ but I think I’m showing I can.
“I got 46 last year and I’m confident in my ability, I always have been.
“I scored on Tuesday against Wrexham and got two against Hartlepool so it’s been a good start for me personally.”
A goal either side of half-time from their star striker meant Maidenhead secured their first victory in the National League, but after securing the vital three points, Tarpey was already looking ahead to tonight’s trip to fellow new boys AFC Fylde.
“There’s a lot of teams in this division who are comfortable on the ball and play it quicker between the lines, but I think we’ve adapted well,” he told Radio Berkshire.
“We’ve not looked out of place and I think we’ve battled hard in the games so far.”