SALISBURY City's Matt Tubbs says he simply can't wait to get back to doing what he does best - scoring goals.

With 23 to his credit in just 32 games this season, the 24-year-old was looking a good bet to be among the contenders for the Conference South's golden boot award before he was hit with a six-match suspension following last month's dismissal - his fourth of the campaign - against Dorchester Town.

There is no denying his absence from the first team has proved costly for the promotion hopefuls.

Since he bowed out at Fisher Athletic with a goal from the penalty spot, City have endured an injury crisis up front.

Tubbs' regular strike-partner Paul Sales broke a bone in his hand while Marvin Brown, signed from Weston-super-Mare to bolster Holmes' attacking options, suffered a groin strain after netting two goals in as many games.

Robbie Matthews is also carrying a thigh injury and Tubbs has had to watch from the sidelines as the goals dried up.

City, who have not scored in their last three games, have subsequently slipped from the top of the pile to second place and are seven points adrift of leaders Histon.

"It's been horrible. I know it couldn't have come at a worse time especially as we're trying to win the league," said the striker, who, away from football, works as a lifeguard at a leisure centre.

"Hopefully in the last few games, the lads can pick it up again."

Manager Nick Holmes has spoken privately with the player and urged him to make his mark in the best way possible for the remainder of the season.

"He does have to change his outlook," warned Holmes. "But not by much. Staying on his feet and counting to ten occasionally will suffice."

Holmes insists he doesn't want the player to lose the edge' that has made Tubbs into one of the most feared strikers in the non-league game.

"Passion and winning is something I do not want to take from any of my players and staff. Everyone at this club has it and it comes out in different ways.

"If I feel that somebody has let the club down through their discipline, they are fined.

"When I look at other teams in our league and their disciplinary records, ours is not bad.

"It is very easy to be yellow carded for being competitive, and the majority of our yellow cards are for that reason."

"It's nice to have the backing of the gaffer," admitted Tubbs, who has come in for some over the top treatment from a number of City supporters.

"I've learned my lesson and I want to get back on the right foot again, but I'm not going to change who I am.

"The supporters are entitled to their own opinions and if they're annoyed with me then, fair enough - that's up to them.

"Fans can be like that. One minute they love you, the next they hate you.

"One minute you're a hero, the next you're a villain," added the striker, who was the toast of the city earlier in the campaign after netting the equaliser against Nottingham Forest to force an FA Cup second round replay.

"Hopefully I can come back into the side and do what I do best and get the supporters on my side again."

Tubbs netted 33 times in all competitions last term, and had been scoring for fun in his first season in the Conference South. So much so, that he'd already revised his target for the campaign.

"As soon as I hit the 20 mark, my next aim was to get to 30 and that's what I want to do between now and the end of the season. Hopefully in the next ten games we can get the goals and we can get the results we need."

Tubbs accepts he has no divine right to a starting berth on Saturday, but insists he has something to prove for the remainder of a campaign, which could yet end with City winning promotion to the Conference, either as champions or via the play-offs.

The player has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to be ready in case he gets the nod for Saturday's visit of Farnborough Town.

"I wouldn't want to let the lads down by coming back in and not being fit, so I'm as sharp as I can be," revealed Tubbs.

"I know I've been out for a month, but I've kept myself fit and I'm ready to go."

Let's hope he hits the ground running this weekend.

In which case...Farnborough had better beware!