IT took just eight minutes for Lee Barnard to banish his penalty blues at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

And the in-form striker is now looking to extend his impressive scoring streak.

Barnard was devastated by his first ever miss from the spot in the 0-0 draw with Leeds United.

But he responded in perfect fashion by opening the scoring in his next game at the Withdean Stadium last weekend.

“I was gutted to miss the penalty and it was a horrible feeling but I was determined to bounce back in the right way and thankfully I did that at Brighton,” said Barnard, 25.

“I wouldn’t say it was necessarily playing on my mind but it was great to score so early on and I’m feeling really good again.”

Barnard’s effort against the Seagulls came from another fantastic Simon Francis cross and took the striker’s season’s tally for the season so far to eight goals.

The forward managed just 11 in the whole of the previous campaign and is delighted the team seem to be making more chances for him this term.

“I think we are creating more opportunities,” confirmed Barnard.

“The full-backs are pushing on a bit more and Simon Francis has made a number of my goals with his crosses.

“Last year I still put chances away but I’m not doing anything differently now and just seem to be getting more opportunities to score, which is great for me.”

Staying fit has also helped Barnard’s cause as he had previously been hampered by a number of niggling injuries since signing for the Shrimpers from Tottenham Hotspur in January 2008.

But the forward enjoyed a full pre-season this time around and has been an ever present in the starting line-up.

He will again be in action against Oldham Athletic at Roots Hall this Saturday.

And he is confident of hitting the back of the net.

“I scored against them towards the end of last season after coming on as a substitute, so hopefully can get another one this weekend,” said Barnard.

“It was a good win at Brighton and we want to keep it going by getting another victory.”