Eastbourne Borough hot-shot Matt Allen is aiming to cash in on his rich run of goal-scoring form.

The 20-year-old bagged a hat-trick in the 4-0 humbling of Dr Martens eastern division leaders Grantham at Priory Lane last week.

That took Allen's goal tally for the season to 19 in all competitions.

Borough coach Nick Greenwood has now given Allen even more incentive to keep on banging in the goals.

Allen said: "Nick has set me a target of 25 goals and made it a little bit more interesting by saying he will pay me £25 if I reach it.

"I would like nothing more than to take that money off him after what he puts us through in training."

There are plenty of other reasons for Allen, a former player with Saltdean and Lewes, to keep on scoring.

Allen said: "I would like to break the 20-goal mark as early as I can. Nick has given me a target of 25 goals but I am aiming to get round the 30-mark if I can.

"I am not far off getting 100 goals for the club. I have 88 so far. I would like to get there this season."

Allen has grabbed seven goals in the last four games, a scoring streak that has elevated him to joint-fourth in the Dr Martens League goalscorers chart.

He said: "It's just down to confidence really. I went through a dry spell but I only needed one goal to get me going again."

Borough will be looking for the old one-two tomorrow as they travel to second-placed Dorchester when they hope to defeat another top side after taking apart leaders Grantham.

Allen said: "I'm really looking forward to it and am up for the game. I am full of confidence at the moment."

Greenwood, who took Allen to Priory Lane, is pleased the frontman is finding the net on a regular basis.

He said: "Matt's doing really well. He's playing particularly well at the moment and can't seem to miss. It's pleasing because people do give him stick. He is the sort of striker who does miss chances but he is now improving his chances to goals ratio and doing very well for us."

Defender-midfielder Paul Steven (groin strain), is Borough's only doubt for the game at the Avenue Stadium tomorrow.

Defender Andy Walker has signed for Burgess Hill although Borough are retaining his Southern League registration.

The best Borough can realistically hope for is a place in top six in the eastern division.