TELL Jon Parkin he has 10 goals this season and you’ll get a terse riposte.

Affectionately known as the Beast, the Forest Green captain is adamant his goal tally is now firmly eleven, after his header gave his side a 1-0 victory over Braintree on Saturday.

The official record books say the goal he claimed in the 3-1 victory over Lincoln City in August is Keanu Marsh-Brown’s, but Parkin evidence from club photographer Bruce Fenn appears to favour the burly striker. He said: “ I’ve definitely got eleven. Speak to Joycie (club press officer) about that, but it’s eleven and even the match programme has it printed.”

Parkin felt his side fully deserved their 1-0 victory over a dogged Braintree Town.

“Braintree came with a game plan and it was up to us to break them down, and we kept knocking at the door.

“We played some nice stuff at times and could have won by a little bit more. Els (Elliott Frear) got in a few times and Keanu has, and their goalkeeper made a few good saves.”

Parkin was delighted to see Rovers record back-to-back 1-0 wins and make it seven home victories on the spin.

He added: “Results like this get you promoted. We defended really well again, similar to last week, putting our bodies on the line and working our socks off, and we will take another 16 or 17 wins like that.”

Rovers were culpable of failing to see games out last season, but Parkin feels the team have kicked on.

“We’ve learned from last year and now know how to close games out and we’re much more resilient.”

Rovers travel to resurgent Southport on Tuesday and Parkin is expecting another tough test.

“Southport have a head of steam up now and the new manager (Dino Maamria) has turned things around, so it will be another tough game, but if we can compete and defend like we did against Braintree we have a good chance of getting a result.”