Eynesbury manager Mark Ducket admits he had a chuckle when summer signing Dom Lawless told him he would score more than 40 goals this season . . . well he’s not laughing any longer!

The former Newport Pagnell striker has slammed in 27 goals in 28 appearances for Rovers - including five in the past week as his side recorded victories in two competitions.

Lawless struck at either end of the second half as Eynesbury triumphed 2-0 at Wellingborough side Whitworths in the United Counties League Premier Division last Saturday.

That brace came hot on the heels of a third hat-trick of the campaign last Tuesday which inspired a depleted Rovers outfit to a 4-2 victory at Raunds Town in the opening round of the Hinchingbrooke Cup.

Ducket said: “I asked Dom in pre-season if he still has the hunger for football and he told me immediately that he would score 40-plus goals for me.

“I have to admit I laughed, but for him to have 27 goals by this stage of the season is nothing short of sensational.

“I certainly wouldn’t bet against him getting more than 40 now. Dom’s at the top of his game and I’m sure the goals will continue to come.

“He has a fantastic eye for goal and makes things look so easy in the box. He is also a great lad who has a lot of belief in his own ability.

“His stats are frighteningly good and long may his great form continue!”

Ducket revealed Lawless’ sizzling form attracted the attention of higher-level neighbours St Neots Town earlier in the season, but the advances of the Southern League Premier Division side were snubbed by the frontman.

“St Neots approached him a couple of months ago,” added Ducket. “It was great for his goalscoring to be recognised by a higher-level club.

“But Dom has a lot of work commitments which could pose him a problem with all of the travelling involved at that level. The offer made didn’t weigh up for him.”

Lawless is three goals clear of Deeping man Scott Coupland in the United Counties League Premier Division scoring charts.

Those two players will be in opposition tonight when Eynesbury entertain Rangers at Hall Road, 7.45pm.

It is a clash of two teams widely tipped to challenge for the title this season. Eynesbury sit one position and one point behind their sixth-placed visitors.

Rovers are also in action on home turf this Saturday when facing Wellingborough Town.