HEREFORD marksman Jason Cowley hopes that he is ‘back to stay’ after scoring on his first start back for the Bulls.

The 29-year-old striker was preparing to hit the ground running this season before being injured during a poor challenge in a pre-season friendly at Halesowen Town in July.

The striker returned as a substitute against Chester seven days earlier before missing the Bulls’ midweek game against Oxford City due to illness.

However, Cowley started against Marine and played a role in Hereford’s opener before finding the net himself

"It was a good feeling, it has been a long time,” said Cowley after picking up the man of the match award.

"I was just buzzing to get the start today and score on my first start of the season, it has been a long time, it has been frustrating, but I'm happy, I'm back and hopefully back to stay back."

The marksman says he has some catching up to do to catch fellow striker Andy Williams’ goal tally for the season.