Kevin Nolan is targeting more goals after netting his maiden West Ham United strike in Saturday's 1-0 npower Championship victory at Doncaster Rovers.
The new skipper broke his duck on just his second appearance with a trademark finish after stealing into the penalty area and slamming Jack Collison's cross high into the net.
Nolan's goal not only got him up and running goal-wise, but also got the Hammers off the mark by registering the club's first npower Championship points of 2011/12.
The No4 came within inches of scoring twice more at the Keepmoat Stadium, only to see home goalkeeper Martin Woods deny him with two outstanding saves - the first of which saw the stopper divert his 30-yard chip onto the crossbar.
"I'm delighted," he told West Ham TV. "I'm just gutted I couldn't add to it. There was a great save from their keeper when he tipped the ball on to the bar.
"It was a good feeling scoring a goal - it was just a shame it wasn't in front of our fans to be quite honest, that was the only negative about it.
"I am delighted with the clean sheet and the win away from home - I think it's only the fourth one in two years, so I'm absolutely delighted."
Nolan netted 18 times in leading Newcastle United to promotion to the Premier League two seasons ago and the midfielder believes he can hit the target regularly this season for the Hammers.
"I've been brought here to do that and luckily enough I was able to get on the end of that one, and hopefully that'll be a common thing throughout the season.
"Sam Allardyce made no secret that when he bought me, he bought me to score goals. He also spoke to me about leading the team and so I'm just delighted to have scored and got us our first three points of the season. Hopefully they'll be the first three points of many."
Nolan was also praiseworthy of his team-mates' professionalism in bouncing back from the disappointment of losing to a last-minute goal to Cardiff City by recording a welcome clean sheet.
"We looked at the video of the Cardiff game throughout the week," he confirmed. "We had a good couple of hours in the video room and I don't think the lads wanted that again!
"They made sure we got the clean sheet we deserved. I thought we kept Doncaster at bay well. They play some lovely stuff, but they didn't really affect us in behind or get through us which was pleasing.
"I'm sure, as we go on throughout season, we'll be able to stamp our authority a bit more and get on the ball a bit more, but it's a new thing for West Ham being down here and we've got to get used to scrapping it out.
"Once we scrap a few out, hopefully we'll be able to start getting the ball down and playing and doing it the right way."
With the 100mph nature of the npower Championship, West Ham get the chance to build on Saturday's success and pick up another three points when they travel to Watford on Tuesday.
The Hornets have picked up just a single point so far and lost 1-0 at home to Derby County at the weekend, but Nolan knows the Hammers will have to be at their best to defeat Sean Dyche's men.
"It's great isn't it?" he laughed. "We love playing football so at the end of the day everybody should be ready and raring to go on Tuesday.
"That's what I love about the Championship - you're never too far away from the next game and that's good.
"I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully it'll be another win and a fantastic few days for us."
