ATTACKING midfielder Eliot Richards hopes to fire the Bulls towards the play-offs by playing a more advanced role this season.

The 26-year-old, former Bristol Rovers and Merthyr Town playmaker had an influential role going forwards in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Blyth Spartans.

"I'm in a bit more of an advanced role than last year so I've been involved in more of the goal set ups which has been exciting so hopefully it can carry on," said Richards

"The manager wanted me to go forward a bit more last season but because (Rob) Purdie was here I played a bit further back but hopefully I can play further forward and get involved in more.

"Most of my career I have played up front and in that 10 position so I feel comfortable in there so today has proved the gaffer right in putting me there.

Despite being in their maiden National League North season Richards hopes that the Bulls can push towards a play-off place after earning four points from their opening two matches.

"Finally pre-season is over and getting into the important games with a nice home game to kick-off with and get three points," said

"We were concentrating on our game today and getting the goals by any means but as they came today with set plays. We have just done really well in our box and in their box and got the win.

"Today luckily we have made the right runs and got the right balls in.

"The games come thick and fast in the first few months of the season so we've got to use our whole squad but that's football and hopefully we can keep going like today.

"Everyone's ambition is to at least make the play-offs but we have got to take one game at a time and it's going to be a long season with ups and downs but hopefully we can be at the top.

"It's good to get the win and it takes the pressure off."