CHRISTIAN Jolley is looking to re-establish himself as a hot-shot striker at Newport County after finally ending his goal famine.

The former AFC Wimbledon man will return to his former club for the first time this Friday after ending an incredible 32-game run without a scoring.

Jolley fired home 15 times in 27 games for the Exiles last term, but his strike on the opening day of the season against Accrington was his only goal of this campaign before he opened the scoring in Saturday’s vital 2-0 win over Wycombe.

County are now virtually guaranteed League Two football next term and Jolley is hoping he can end the campaign with a flourish and put his nightmare campaign behind him after scoring in such a vital game.

“We did know how important it was to win,” he told the Argus. “The boys were talking about how big the game was; we knew before the game in the dressing room that it was the biggest match of the season.

It was good to be back on the pitch and able to contribute in terms of goals and performance, I enjoyed myself. To score is a relief and a weight off my shoulders.

“I believed it would come good for me. The staff and the boys have been working behind the scenes just trying to get me back on the pitch and it’s taken some time (to rebuild his confidence). But I think I have found a spring in my step and hopefully I can kick on for the rest of the season.

“It was hard to keep my head up, but I think it was the support that helped me.

“I have been looked after really well and the fans have been patient with me. It has been infuriating as I’ve gone chasing games and not been disciplined. The gaffer pulled me out of the team and the firing line at the right time and the boys that came in did well so I have had to be patient.”

Jolley believes Saturday was a red letter day for the Exiles.

“I got my goal and the club got the three points which is more important. This was a big day for the club. It brought us together again. We have all been frustrated with each other and different aspects and things.

“But we have stuck together. We know it is a long season and people get injuries and it has been all about sticking together and pulling each other through it.”

Jolley is contracted for next season and knows he needs to re-establish himself at Rodney Parade.

“I have got a point to prove. I need to show some consistency and keep my shirt and that’s what I am going to be doing,” he said.

“Fortunately I have got another year on my contract so that gives me a bit of time hopefully if the gaffer sees me in his plans. That’s what I am going to get my head down and keep doing.

“I want to reward the fans. They have been brilliant. They’ve been patient with us and we’ve had to deal with the surface of the pitch and the ground staff have been brilliant to get the games on. We have had to do our best and we have had to change our style of play dramatically. That takes its toll but they have been patient with us and we have paid them back with the win.

“Now we can look forward to Friday and fingers crossed get another three points. It will be the first some I have been back there since I left and it is an opportunity to go back to London.”