Donavan Thompson has set his sights on breaking Coolridge Bell’s 40-year-old top-flight goalscoring record.

The X-Roads striker kicked off the new year in the same rich vein as he finished the last, with a goal in the 2-2 draw away to Somerset Trojans on Saturday, taking his season tally to 18 goals in just ten games.

Bell’s record of 35 goals for Somerset Trojans has remained in place since the 1978-79 season with the likes of prolific scorers Nahki Wells, Kyle Lightbourne, Raymond Beach and Antwan Russell all trying, but failing to eclipse the impressive haul.

Bermuda coach Lightbourne’s total of 24, during his spell with PHC Zebras in the 1991-92 campaign, is closest anyone has come as yet, but with Thompson’s scoring momentum not looking like grinding to a halt anytime soon, could he be the man to finally break the longstanding record?

“I want to break the goalscoring record of 35,” said the 24-year-old, who is enjoying an impressive first season with X-Roads since his summer move from First Division side St George’s Colts. “I wouldn’t say it’s my main focus, but I’m aware of it in the back of my mind.

“I was the top goalscorer in the First Division last season with 23 goals and I’m just pleased to have been able to keep that going since moving back up to Premier Division.

“I guess it’s an instinct thing. This season it just feels like I know where the ball is going to end up and find myself in the right places. I love scoring goals and so I’m always delighted when I manage to score.

“My team-mates look at me to keep scoring goals every game, which brings added pressure, but I’m thriving off that this season and I just want to keep helping my team and progress. My main aim is always to help the team win games. We still think we can challenge for the league title and if I can help by scoring goals then that’s what I’ll aim to do.”

As well as targeting personal success and league glory domestically, Thompson has not given up hope of making his mark at international level.

Despite not featuring for his country as yet, Thompson has not been perturbed, instead reiterating his desire to contribute in anyway if needed, while gaining invaluable experience from professionals Nahki Wells, Reggie Lambe and Jonté Smith.

“If the national team need me, I’ll always be available for Bermuda but I’m aware of the players in my position,” Thompson added. “We have players like Nahki Wells, Reggie Lambe and Jonté Smith playing professionally abroad, so I know they will always be looked upon before me.

“I had reservations about being called up before because I know my place in the pecking order. If the national coach needs me in a match then, of course, I’d do my best to take the chance and do whatever I can for the team.

“It’s not even a case of me wanting to start games. I’d always be proud to be involved in the matchday squad of 18 and learn things from Kyle Lightbourne and the other guys in the squad.

“I’m well aware I still have a lot to learn. This is just the beginning for me, so if I can gain experience and learn from being part of the national squad then that’s great. Reggie Lambe contacted me recently and encouraged me to keep doing what I’m doing, which was really nice.”