Jon Stead aiming for 20 goals a season as Notts County look to repay fan support

Jon Stead has set a target of breaking the 20-goal barrier between now and the remainder of the season following his return to form.

The veteran striker scored goals number 12 and 13 last weekend as Notts County claimed a precious 3-2 win at Leyton Orient which saw them edge further away from the League Two drop zone.

Stead began the campaign brightly with nine goals in his first 10 league games, then failed to score for three games before an injury saw him ruled out for two months, and after he returned, he scored just one in his next ten.

Now, with three in his last three and the Magpies in a better place than they were just a few weeks ago, he is looking to make the most of his upturn in form.

And asked if he was thinking of finishing the season with 20 goals, he told the Nottingham Post: "Twenty would be lovely.

"It's one of those where you want to take your fair share of chances, rather than missing them.

"I was disappointed with the header from the set-piece in the second half against Orient, but the other two half-chances I got, I stuck them away. I was happy with that."

Stead also spoke of how the Notts fans are finally starting to reap some dividends for all their support with a much-improved team.

He added: "They have been fantastic all season through difficult times. It's nice they have got that belief back. That's obviously been instilled by the manager and the new owner.

"They are getting that buzz to the club and that only helps us out on the pitch. I think we are starting to repay that a little bit as players."

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