Is Salford City loanee Luke Armstrong the best goalscorer in the National League? Hartlepool United boss Dave Challinor responds

The 24-year-old joined Pools on loan from Salford City with a strong goal scoring reputation in the National League following his exploits at Gateshead two years prior.

And he’s hit the ground running on his return to the fifth tier, averaging a goal every 118 minutes with no player scoring more goals in the division since his arrival back in December.

Armstrong netted his eighth goal of the season in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Yeovil Town with another poacher’s effort from inside the six-yard box.

And he is already among the contenders for the National League golden boot, sitting just four goals behind current top scorer Michael Cheek despite playing half as many matches as the Bromley striker.

When asked if there is a better poacher in the National League than Armstrong, Hartlepool manager Dave Challinor responded: “The stats would say no.

“If you look at his record in terms of goals and goals per game, it’s really good.

"Looking at where he’s scored his goals as well, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work if you get yourself in the right area then you’ll score and that’s where the majority of goals come from.

"It doesn’t matter what goals you score, whether you smash it in from 30-yards, it makes no difference and it’s the same feeling and result if you poke it in from two yards and I know which one is a lot easier!

"You can look at the stats and the balls we put into areas, we said at the start of the season with someone like Fergie [David Ferguson] playing wide with his delivery, he puts a lot of crosses in over the course of a game.

"A lot of them have good quality and go into areas where if you’re a composed finisher you’ll get chances.

"Luke has done that brilliantly for us and he’ll continue to do that even if he doesn’t score. The two we have up front [Armstrong and Rhys Oates], we know what we’re going to get from them and they put in a right shift and don’t make it easy for anyone.”

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