Andy Pugh has felt the pressure lift from his shoulders at the start of his third full season with Dartford.

The 27-year-old striker is enjoying life as a father and a more relaxed approach to his football is paying dividends.

Pugh continues to work hard on his fitness without pushing himself too much and is confident of replicating last season’s form in front of goal.

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The former Gills and Cambridge man has the class to play at a higher level but that’s the furthest thing from his mind right now.

Pugh said: "At the age I am now, all I’m looking to do is play week in, week out, enjoy it and stay fit. If that happens, I’ll take every day and every season as it comes.

"I’m not putting pressure on myself, trying to be somewhere. I’m happy where I am and I’m just looking forward to playing.

"I’m fully aware of my injury history. I know that if I can stay fit, I will score goals but it’s a big thing for me. I’ve tried hard to keep myself fit and if I can do that this year, I’m confident the goals will follow."

Last season Pugh admitted he was training too hard and would slow down in a bid to be available for more games.

He said: "I’ve carried that on, especially with having the little one. I’ve got all the jobs to do indoors.

"It has helped and it’s taken the pressure off me. Looking back, I’ve always put too much pressure on myself.

"I’m enjoying coming to football now and looking forward to playing all the games."

After a stop-start campaign for Dartford and Pugh last season, he’s got high hopes for 2016-17.

He said: "We feel we’ve got a good squad and can really achieve something.

"We’ve got to be looking at getting into the play-offs and I want to be up there with the top goalscorers as well as chipping in with assists and work ethic for the team."

Pugh and Duane Ofori-Acheampong could be a great little-and-large striker partnership but he’s equally happy to play the lone striker role when required.

"I think I’m intelligent enough to adapt to any formation," Pugh said. "I know I’m not the biggest or the quickest so I rely a lot on my intelligence.

"Duane looks like an athlete and I’m looking forward to striking up a good partnership with him."