Newark & Sherwood striker Kieran Cummings sets a target of 40 goals in United Counties League Premier Division North

In-form Newark & Sherwood striker Kieran Cummings has set himself a target of 40 goals this season.

Cummings moved on to 14 for the campaign after scoring an injury-time winner in a 2-1 League Cup victory over Northampton Sileby Rangers on Saturday.

He struck in the 94th minute, adding to Koby Eratt-Thompson’s equaliser, as the Highwaymen recovered from falling behind.

Cummings rejoined Newark from Shepshed over the summer and has been in the form of his life. With that in mind, he’s aiming high.

“He’s mentioned 40 goals,” said manager Romaine Graham. “I’ve said if he gets 30, which he’s quite capable of doing, that’s a brilliant season.

“Anything 20-plus is good but he’s aiming for 40.

“Looking at the top scorers in the league over the last couple of seasons, they were in the 30s, but there’s enough games, if he can stay fit and stay in form, to get where he wants.

“The ability has always been there with him. I’ve just put my around him, like with a lot of the lads.

“I’m just trying to create an environment for them to succeed and it’s certainly working for KC in a two up front. He can focus on his movement in behind.

“We’re just on a wavelength with him at the minute. We can see his movement and if we put the ball in a good area he does the rest.

“He’s only 22/23 and if he does the business, who knows what happens at the end of the season?

“Hopefully he gets a move back up the leagues and I’ll shake his hand and thank him for his time.

“That’s my goal, really. If I can get these lads to progress then I’ve done my job and that means they’ve been playing well for the team, so it’s mutually beneficial.”

Newark & Sherwood return to United Counties Premier Division North action at AFC Mansfield on Saturday (3pm).

Graham’s predecessor, Jonathan D’Laryea, is on the Bulls’ coaching staff and they also have several ex-United players.

“AFC Mansfield have started well,” said Graham. “They’ve got four of our old players from last season and the old gaffer, JD, who I took over from. He’s been playing recently but I think he’s a coach.

“He brought me in as his No.2 but we didn’t have the best of results.

“I think he already was under pressure by the time I came in, to be honest, and he was relieved of his duties.”

Newark & Sherwood host Bourne Town on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Graham added: “They’ll be a tough team as well. Games are coming thick and fast.

“It’s a big week for us before the FA Vase game next Saturday. If we get through those two we should be in good spirits.

“These are two difficult games where I’ll see the team’s character and I’ll really get an understanding of how far we’ve come.”