Leiston striker John Sands is ready to sacrifice his favoured goalscoring role in order to win promotion with Richard Wilkins’ Blues.

The former Bury Town hitman scored his first goal of the season against his ex-club on Tuesday night, in the Ryman League Cup.

The goal, in a 3-0 win, was just the tonic Sands needed as he continues to recover from a double hernia operation that he underwent in the summer.

Sands has made his name as a lethal goalscorer at step three level, but admitted he may play a more withdrawn role this season as the Victory Road team aim to make the Ryman Premier play-offs.

“I’m sure we will be in the play-offs at the end of the season, we will be right up there,” said Sands, who will hope to play some part in Saturday’s home game with Lewes.

“We are quite ruthless and I am confident I will score goals, although I may not get as many as in the past as I might be dropping deep and playing on the right as part of a system Wilks (Wilkins) wants to play.

“It’s a bit different to what I am used to but I am happy playing there if we are winning games and I’d rather win the title than score more goals and finish in mid-table.”

Meanwhile, Sands has praised boss Wilkins, who worked with the striker during a successful spell at Bury.

“He (Wilkins) is right up there and a very good manager,” added Sands.

“He keeps his squads together and is a shrewd and clever character.

“I am enjoying playing for him again and with the likes of Tom Bullard, Billy Clark, Seb Dunbar and Gareth Heath I’m 100% sure we will be challenging at the end of the season.”

Sands is still been treated with care as he recovers from his surgery and explained where he is at with his fitness.

“My legs are feeling better than ever,” he explained. “The last few seasons I have been in a lot of pain, but it’s just about getting match fitness and fitness in my lungs now.”