After scoring nine times during the 2017/18 campaign, Marc Charles-Smith wants plenty more this time around

Wingate & Finchley striker Marc Charles-Smith is eager to kick on after scoring his first goal of the 2018/19 Bostik Premier season.

The former Harrow Borough ace netted for the Blues during their 1-1 draw at home to Hornchurch on August 14, which remains the only point they’ve won this term.

Last weekend they suffered a frustrating 3-0 defeat at home to Folkestone Invicta after defender Sean Cronin was sent off on the stroke of half time.

It leaves Keith Rowland’s side in the relegation zone after three fixtures this season, but forward Charles-Smith is confident things will improve for Wingate.

He believes the new-look team will create plenty of chances and is therefore hopeful of scoring a few more than the nine goals he managed during the past term.

“I was disappointed with what I got in terms of goals last season,” Charles-Smith told WingateTV.

“With the players we have, we should 100 per cent create more chances and it is all about taking them now.

“I know we will create chances every game and now we have to be more clinical going forward.”

Wingate will hope to show more of a ruthless edge in front of goal at Whitehawk on Saturday before they return back home on Bank Holiday Monday (August 27) to face Enfield Town.

Both Whitehawk and Enfield have claimed a win each already this season and will provide stern tests for the Blues this week.

After bringing in a number of additions this summer, time was always required for new recruits to settle in and start becoming key figures for Rowland.

Charles-Smith said: “I think the new boys have settled in well and we are a good bunch anyway.

“Everyone has settled in and any person who comes in now can play and we needed competition for places.

“It should keep everyone on their toes and whoever has the shirt will need to perform to keep it because the quality of the squad has gone up a level.”

Wingate will unfortunately be without defender Cronin for this Saturday’s game at Whitehawk after his red card last weekend.

He was sent off for handball at home to Folkestone Invicta last time out with the visitors already 1-0 up thanks to a volley by Johan Ter Horst.

Cronin’s handball on the line did give Shane Gore the chance to save a spot-kick, but the away side added two more second-half goals to win 3-0 at Summers Lane.