STRIKER Lenell John-Lewis insists he’s not worried by missed chances in pre-season and has promised Newport County AFC fans that the goals will come.

The 26-year-old Londoner, signed on a two-year deal from Grimsby Town in May, did find the net in the Exiles’ first friendly against Undy last week.

But he wasted several opportunities to score at Bath City on Tuesday night as Terry Butcher suffered his first defeat as County boss.

“It’s pre-season and they will come. I’ll save the goals for the season,” said the former Lincoln City and Bury front man.

“It would be nice to get them now and go into the season flying but it’s all about fitness.

“As long as I’m getting chances I’m always happy. I know that they will go in eventually.

“That’s my job and that’s what I thrive on,” he added.

“When it goes bad it’s me but when the glory comes it’s me as well so hopefully there will be a lot of glory this season.”

John-Lewis, nicknamed The Shop but known as Lenny to his friends, scored 20 goals for Grimsby last season.

He opened the scoring in the Conference play-off final at Wembley but the Mariners were eventually beaten on penalties by Bristol Rovers.

That defeat made up the forward’s mind to leave Blundell Park and he wants to reward Butcher and County for offering him a second-chance in the Football League.

“This is where I want to be,” he said. “I did have an opportunity to stay at Grimsby but I want to play League football.

“I want to test myself at this level again and for the next two seasons if we can be here or higher then it will be even better.”

The presence of former England captain Butcher also helped persuade John-Lewis that Rodney Parade was the place for him.

“He’s a good manager. He tells it how it is and he’s a good man-manager,” he said.

“It’s always nice to be wanted and he made it very clear to me that they wanted me here.

“I was one of the first signings and for me that was a major factor.

“I knew it was going to be fresh start with a lot of people leaving and having the backing of him straight away was a big thing for me.

“He’s showed belief in me and two years is a massive factor as well and I want to repay him and the club.”

And John-Lewis is not concerned by Tuesday’s defeat ahead of Saturday’s friendly at Torquay United.

“It’s a new team and we’re all getting to know each other,” he said.

“We’re getting an understanding of what the manager wants and how each other play and by the first game of the season it will all be set.”