NEWPORT County striker Dave Gilroy is aiming to gun down his old club Bath City tomorrow – even if he has to do it from the bench.

The 26-year-old ex-Bristol Rovers forward admits he is frustrated to be behind Craig Reid and Sam Foley in the pecking order at Spytty Park but insists he is happy to stay at the club and fight for his place.

Gilroy started in last week’s 3-1 win at Clevedon Town in the FA Cup but failed to make much of an impact and he expects to be back on the bench for the visit of Bath.

“It is frustrating not getting as many minutes as I’d like but I know I’ve got to take my chances when they come,” said Gilroy.

“I’ve had a chat with the gaffer and I know he’s got faith in me. I’ve got his backing and that is important for a player.

“It’s a long season and things change – players will pick up injuries or lose form,” he added.

“It’s difficult to get into the rhythm when you’re only getting 20 minutes here or there but I’m happy at this club. I will just have to knuckle down and wait for a chance to get a run in the side.

“Hopefully coming on tomorrow and bagging a couple of goals will help my cause.”

Gilroy was an unused substitute for Bath on their last visit to Newport in March – a 4-0 hammering which was the last league defeat for Dean Holdsworth’s men.

“Newport have not got a good record against Bath in recent years but we’re firing on all cylinders at the moment and I’m sure the lads will be fired up to put the record straight this weekend,” said Gilroy.

“That game in March was a strange one. I watched it from the bench and Stuart Douglas was on fire.

“From what the lads have told me they were very down in the dressing room afterwards but they used it as a spur to kick on.

“Now look where we are now – 18 games unbeaten in the league,” he added. “We want to keep that run going and, as long as we keep on winning, it doesn’t really matter who is playing and who gets the goals.”

* County’s fine form in September, when they went unbeaten, was recognised by the Blue Square South yesterday.

Manager Dean Holdsworth was named manager of the month and striker Craig Reid was announced as the player of the month.