HALLAM Hope is aiming to win over frustrated fans by helping Latics get into a winning groove and move away from the League Two danger zone.

The 27-year-old endured a tough start to life at Boundary Park after going 13 games without a goal for his new club.

Having arrived on a free transfer in the summer, Hope got off the mark against Walsall last month. It proved to be nothing more than a consolation as Keith Curle's side went on to lose the game 3-1, but he feels that by finally ending his wait for a first goal it will prove to be the catalyst for more.

"For me to finally get a goal after weeks of hard work and not getting that little bit of luck was a very nice feeling. I came here to score goals and get assists,” said the forward, who acknowledged the occasion was overshadowed by the result.

"Obviously I was happy to score my first goal the other week and it is something I've wanted to do since the first game of the season, but that's not the most important.

“Football is a team game and playing for the three points and unfortunately we couldn't get them, but now I'm more determined than ever to get scoring and winning games now.

"I'd say scoring has been something that has been at the forefront of my mind. But it's been a hard start to the season for everyone really.

"Being an attacker where you are judged on how many goals you get or how influential you are in the final third, believe me as a player the contribution you have only really matters and leaves you satisfied to an extent when you get a positive result.”

The former Swindon Town and Carlisle United, who Curle worked with at Brunton Park, had previously been dropped by the head coach.

Since returning to the side he has been utilised as a wing back with Latics once more hampered by injuries and absences.

But Hope says he will do what it takes for the good of the team.

"Being left out is never nice but having time on the bench and coming on as a reactive substitution helped," he explained.

"I have played wing-back recently, something I've not really done before but I've played off the left before and the way he (Curle) wants his players to play in a role like that is obviously attacking so it wasn't too different but with just a bit more defensive responsibility."

But Hope is keen to make more of an impact up front, and have cause for more celebrations.

"The passion shown when I scored is just me to a tee. I'm quiet off the pitch but on it I will always give my all," he said.

"I'd like to think over time supporters can warm to that. The other clubs I've played at, despite still being fairly young I've always overcome tough periods and I'm in my best phase yet in terms of dealing with that with the experience I've gained."