Elgin City star Kane Hester has been rewarded for his most prolific season to date by being voted cinch SPFL League Two Player of the Month for September/October.
The Black and Whites striker has banged in 12 goals in 13 league games and has had to re-adjust his sights after scoring 20 goals in all competitions already.
In last week’s 3-2 victory at Bonnyrigg Rose, he won three penalties, which were all converted by attacking midfielder Russell Dingwall.
Hester’s tally, therefore, could be even higher, but he revealed what he’s aiming for now.
He said: “Everything’s going well for me just now. The goals have been coming thick and fast and hopefully that’ll continue for the rest of the season.
“It’s the first time I’ve hit 20 goals in a season though I’ve managed 19 two or three times. Maybe I should be taking the penalties as well but, to tell you the truth, I’m not great at them.
“I took one earlier in the season against Camelon and it was saved, so I’m just happy to win them and let Russell take them.
“I managed to win both of the penalties against Bonnyrigg Rose last Saturday, which he scored from.
“The target for the team this season is to at least reach the play-offs. Personally, I’ve set myself a target of scoring 35 goals in all competitions.
“I always like to target around the 20-mark but, having reached that so early this season, then I have to set my sights higher.”
Elgin confident for Dumbarton clash
Elgin host league leaders Dumbarton, who are 10 points ahead of them, at Borough Briggs, on Saturday.
Although finishing top four, and within the play-off positions, is the goal, an Elgin win against the Sons would blast the title race wide open in mid-November.
Hester sees no reason why City cannot make it interesting in the chase for the main prize.
He said: “It’s a really big game for us. It’s not a must-win game at this stage of the season, but we’d like to close the gap at the top.
“We didn’t have a great start to the season and only won one of our first six games, but we’ve picked up and are now fourth.
🏆 Congratulations to @ElginCityFC's Kane Hester who has been presented with the @cinchuk League 2 Player of the Month award for September/October!#cinchL2 pic.twitter.com/RmbbwfuDJR
— SPFL (@spfl) November 11, 2022
“If you win two or three games on the bounce then you can get right up there in this league.
“Dumbarton got off to a flyer and looked as if they’d be unstoppable, but they came crashing back down to earth when Stirling Albion thumped them 6-0 and that’s made it more open.
“I don’t think there’s going to be a runaway winner this year. We’re 10 points off the pace, but if we win a few games then we can be right up there.
“There are a few teams who will fancy their chances. If you look at the likes of Stenhousemuir, then they will expect to be up there.
“Personally, I think they’re the best team in the league but anyone is capable of putting a few wins together.”
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