Auckland FC Jake Brimmer didn't think it was his best goal, but his effort to bang one in against the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday certainly pleased his coach.
Steve Corica says he wants to see more goals from Brimmer, and Wednesday's match against Melbourne Victory looks an appropriate opportunity for the 26-year-old to advance on the goal table.
Melbourne-born Brimmer joined Auckland FC this year after three seasons with the Victory.
"It was a fantastic goal. It bobbled up and he struck it really nicely into the back of the goal," said Corica.
"He can do that, and we want to see more of that from him. He's coming up against his old team now and I am sure he is looking for more goals against them and a good performance as well."
It was Brimmer's third goal for the A-League season after he scored twice in the 2-0 victory over the Wellington Phoenix in the inaugural Kiwi derby on 2 November.
Brimmer conceded his strike in the 4-1 win over the Mariners was pretty good.
"I think the technique on this goal was up there, but not quite my best."
Brimmer was relieved to be finally striking some form.
"I think I've finally hit the ground running, in terms of getting fitter and starting to get my confidence back up there which is good.
"I have high expectations of myself and just want to help the team the best I can, and I am starting to do that now."
Brimmer said he was looking forward to taking on his old clubmates in the match at Mt Smart Stadium.
"I still love Melbourne Victory as a football club. It's a big club but we are a big club as well, and everyone is looking at us at the top of the table and wanting to beat us. They can try to beat us, but we will see what happens on Wednesday."
Melbourne Victory were third on the A-League ladder, five points behind Auckland FC.
Kick-off on New Year's Day is at 5pm.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.