Kris Bright celebrates his goal

Relieved striker Kris Bright today admitted a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders after he finally broke his Shrewsbury Town goal duck.

The New Zealand international scored the 82nd minute winner in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Lincoln to keep alive his team’s slim League Two play-offs hopes.

Not only was it Bright’s first League goal since arriving at the Prostar Stadium last summer, it was also the first time Shrewsbury had found the net in eight hours and three minutes of action at home.

And Bright admitted he was thrilled to end a barren run extending through three starts and 21 substitute appearances.

“It’s been a long time coming and it was great to get the first goal at home,” said the 23-year-old, who hopes to be included in the New Zealand World Cup squad which is due to be named on May 10.

“I’ve been working hard and not getting the luck and that goal takes a bit of the pressure off me.

“Even though I’ve had quite a lot of appearances, I’ve not really had too much in terms of minutes.

“But not getting a goal does play on your mind and hopefully I can move on from here.”

Bright’s winner means Shrewsbury have trimmed the gap between themselves and the play-off places from nine points to four in the space of a week which has brought seven points from three games and a clean sheet treble.

And Bright believes three victories in their remaining trio of matches will be enough to reach the top seven.

“This was a big win for us and all the boys were buzzing in the changing room seeing the results,” he added.

“We have been so close to winning games and that’s why the gaffer has been sticking with a very similar side. If we can win the last three, it would give us a great chance.”