Nathan Elder is eyeing a minimum 15-goal return for his first season at Shrewsbury Town after getting off the mark for his new club.

Elder scored after just 104 seconds of Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Barnet, a result which preserved Town’s unbeaten start to the campaign.

The former Brentford man admitted he was relieved to break his Town duck, and is hoping the goal can prove the catalyst for further success in front of goal.

“It was a massive positive for me because I needed to open my account,” said Elder.

“The boys have been unbelievable in the first two games and I just wanted to be part of it so it was nice to get my name on the scoresheet.

“My target is 15 goals. With the couple of injuries I had last season, I really need to get past that and I don’t think I could do it for a better club.”

While Elder was delighted with his opening strike, he was frustrated not to have doubled his tally and snatch all three points for Shrewsbury when he headed wide late on.

“I should have won it,” the 24-year-old admitted. “You try not to replay it in your mind as a striker because, when you miss the target, you get up and go again.

“But those should be goals. I took my eye off it for a millisecond and that’s what happen.

“It’s a lesson for me because you have to keep concentrating all the way through and then you will get your rewards.”

Manager Paul Simpson, who was today preparing his squad for tomorrow’s trip to Dagenham & Redbridge, was delighted to see Elder on the scoresheet.

“It has just taken the pressure off a little bit,” added the Town boss.

“Although there is no pressure from me because he is doing his job for the team, it’s always good for a striker to get the first goal.”

By JAMES GARRISON