Last updated at 11:43, Thursday, 18 October 2012

Goal hero Joe Garner today insisted his dramatic strike at Bury can be the launchpad for a play-off push with Carlisle United.

Joe Garner celebrates

And the frontman – who said his last-gasp leveller at Gigg Lane was “a blur” – says he is confident he can keep the goals flowing for Greg Abbott’s team.

Garner, who will lead the line for the Blues at Colchester this weekend, said the midweek drama had boosted confidence in Abbott’s squad.

He now hopes it can lead to better fortunes as United bid to rise up the League One table.

“It was a big point away from home and it was important for all the players who worked so hard for it,” Garner said. “It meant the lads could go home happy on the bus and points like that away with a last-minute goal are always nice. Hopefully we can push up towards a play-off place now. We just need to turn our home form around a bit and things should be alright.”

The Bury strike was Garner’s second goal in three games and his cool-headed finish showed signs that the frontman is rediscovering his old goal touch with the Blues. It came at the end of a game in which the 24-year-old Watford loanee had battled as a lone centre-forward for most of the match.

Garner insisted he is happy to continue that role this weekend and is certain there are more goals to come in his second month’s loan.

“As soon as I shot, the rest is a blur. I was in the crowd and that was it,” said Garner, recalling his jubilant last-minute celebrations. “It would have been nicer to have scored earlier and have a chance of winning the game but you can’t really complain.

“I know I can score at this level. I’ve done it before and I’m confident when I’m out there that I’m going to score. Whatever position I’m given everyone knows I’ll work hard and do what I can to help the lads out. I’ve not played so many games in the last couple of years but I’m feeling stronger, enjoying it and I can only get better.”

Manager Abbott is hoping to have Danny Cadamarteri back in the squad for the trip to Essex after a groin problem kept him out of the Bury draw.

And Garner – who is still in the dark over his long-term future at Watford – said fans should put their faith in Abbott to lead Carlisle up the table from their current 13th.

He added: “I always said I was happy to stay here when I signed on loan – the staff are really good, their thoughts and ideas in training are really good and I think the gaffer deserves a lot more credit than he gets. I think he’s done an unbelievable job.”

On his own future, he said: “To be honest I have no idea what’s going on down at Watford – I’ve not really spoken to anybody down there, I’m just happy to be playing and scoring goals which can only benefit everybody.”

First published at 11:25, Thursday, 18 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk