Striker Danny Carey-Bertram believes the fierce competition in the AFC Telford United forward line could prove the key to promotion.

The autumn signing from Bath City has already bagged 14 goals for the Bucks, but is still playing catch-up with Terry Fearns, who has 16, and Andy Brown, who has found the target 15 times to-date.

With Matty Lewis back from a broken leg and new signing Mark Danks added to the mix as well, it means boss Rob Smith is certainly not short of firepower.

“I’ve got 14 at Telford and two at Bath so that takes me to 16 from the start of the season, which I’m really happy with,” said Carey-Bertram.

“The boys create so many chances that you can’t help but score, to be honest.

“Once we’ve got everyone fit then there’s going to be a lot of competition for places and that should only encourage us to score more goals.”

Danks made his debut alongside Carey-Bertram in the 1-0 win away at Blue Square North leaders Tamworth last weekend.

The diminutive frontman certainly made a positive impression on fans and team-mates alike, and former Hereford man Carey-Bertram was impressed.

“I know Danksy quite well from playing youth team football,” he revealed. 

“He’s a sharp player, likes to get in behind the defenders and is another good addition for us.

“It’s not a bad thing to bring in new people because it keeps everyone on their toes.”

Telford have now won three in a row, all away from home, and Carey-Bertram hopes that can pave the way for another lengthy unbeaten run.

“We’ve played some good teams and Tamworth were another one – you could see why they are top,” he added.

“But we more than matched them. We’re still not at our best but we’re beating teams and we’ll take a 1-0 all day.

“When I first came to the club we had that long unbeaten run and we just want to get back to that.”

By CHRIS HUDSON