GARETH Ainsworth believes he might have difficulty hanging onto Peter Murphy if the midfielder keeps up his scoring streak.

Seven goals in 17 games is a return most strikers would be proud of, and the former Accrington man has now netted in each of his last three matches.

It places him joint third on League Two's list of top scorers and he looks a certainty to overtake the nine goals he managed last season.

Ainsworth said: "I knew it was in him - I've seen things in Peter that show he's going to be a threat in opposition boxes a lot.

"What a player, if you can have someone who's a fantastic midfield player and scores goals - you don't hang on to those for long.

"He's doing exactly what I signed him for."

Remarkably, each of Murphy's last three goals have all come from crosses by Sam Wood and Blues skipper Paul Hayes said: "They must have been working hard on it in training. They have got a good chemistry out there.

"When you put the cross in, Murph will get on the end of it - that's what he's all about. He's a bit of a gem for us because he's scoring goals. It's a joy to be part of it."

Hayes also has seven goals to his name and hasn't been able to shake off Murphy's challenge at the top of the scoring charts despite his own prolific form.

He said: "I got away from him and was two goals in front, but he's clawed it back. It's seven each and it might go to the last game of the season to see who will be leading goalscorer."