POOLE Town striker Luke Roberts is targeting further success in National South after committing himself to the club.

Roberts impressed for Dolphins last season and had been linked with Forest Green Rovers, who were promoted to League Two.

But the 23-year-old, who hit 10 goals last season, penned a new two-year deal and admitted boss Tom Killick had been a big factor in him staying.

Roberts told the Daily Echo: “I got scouted here by Tom when I was at AFC Totton and they had just been relegated so he took a chance on me.

“I try to return that favour in my performances and I’ve integrated myself well within the team.

“The fact I’m settled kept me here. I feel I can continue and maybe progress further just through playing at this level and impressing with my performances.”

After finishing last season fifth in National South, Roberts believes the squad learned a lot from their first campaign in the division.

“Last season, we didn’t really know what to expect and we were an unknown team," he added.

“After the first game of the season when we lost 4-0 to Ebbsfleet, we thought it was going to be a bit of a tough ride but we grew into it.

“We started to challenge teams and finished in the play-offs positions. Having done that, the aim is to do exactly the same this season.”

Roberts scored nine goals in 40 league appearances for Poole last season after getting 15 in 42 in Dolphins’ Southern Premier title-winning season.

He added: “I’ve been playing some of the best football I’ve played so the aim is to continue where I left off.

“I want to continue that for longer periods throughout the season. Last season, I was a bit hot and cold going through phases so I am looking for more consistency.”

Roberts started on the right note in Poole’s 6-3 friendly loss to Portsmouth on Tuesday and will be hoping to continue when they visit Hamworthy United tomorrow (3pm).

He netted against Pompey with a magnificent solo effort, which saw him run through their defence, cut across the final man and put the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs.

Killick was full of praise and said: “That's why we value him so highly and why it means so much to us for him to commit his future to the club by signing a two-year contract.

"It was an exceptional finish and he's certainly a player who would not have looked out of place by any means wearing a Portsmouth shirt."