(Photo: David Walker)
By Matt Badcock
Stowmarket Town hotshot Josh Mayhew is eyeing up the Eastern Counties League goal record – a week after believing he'd already broken it!
The 26-year-old has been in scintillating form for the Thurlow Nunn Premier side this season and last weekend hit a hat-trick to take him to 53 goals.
It was the start of the celebration of setting a new milestone after overtaking the 50 goals scored by Wroxham's Matt Metcalfe in 1992-93.
But it's since emerged Lowestoft Town's Micky Tooley is the Eastern Counties' top dog having found the net 57 times back in 1965-66.
Mayhew, who has missed the last three games through suspension, now has two matches to reach the landmark – he'll be in Dubai for the last two because the season has been extended!
Mayhew said: “It's quite a tall order, but hopefully I can do it – I'll claim everything!
“I've never scored this many. I got in the early 30s when I was at Hadleigh but it's been one of those seasons where everything I've hit has gone in.
“The season started well and at Christmas I was around the 30 mark, which is what I'd targeted. Then Alex (press officer Alex Moss) said about the record and since then it's been the target to hit that.
“Because I was so focused on getting to the target, it hasn't really sunk in that I've scored 50!”
The former Bury Town, Brightlingsea Regent and Leiston striker isn't taking all the credit and is quick to highlight the work of his team-mates.
“It's strange because the second highest scorer in the team has about seven,” he said. “They might say I'm greedy but I've just been in the right places and they've set me up. I certainly don't see myself as the outstanding player in the team this season.
“When I look back, even if I don't achieve the record, the season I've had is something to be proud of. Just hopefully I can get over the line – I'd be just as happy to equal it.”
Stow boss Rick Andrews knows how lethal Mayhew is in front of goal but admits even he's surprised by the goal count.
“I've known him for six or seven years and always known he's a finisher,” he said. “Nine times out of ten it's going to be on target and the keeper has got to work to save it.
“After surrounding him with players that are creative his form hasn't surprised me. He's scored some great goals – and some scruffy ones!”
*This article originally featured in The @NonLeaguePaper which is available every Sunday and Monday
