CITY may lack an out-and-out goalscorer in their ranks – but according to Jon Stead, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

This time last year, Nahki Wells had nine goals to his name and was about to add a hat-trick against Coventry.

Ten months on from his departure, that prolific input has not been replaced as the club wait to move out Aaron Mclean.

But Stead believes they can answer any criticism about the lack of scoring output by sharing the load.

The on-loan striker has netted in the last two games and winger Filipe Morais blasted Sunday’s winner at Halifax.

Stead said: “I think we do create chances but I wouldn’t say we’ve got a 25-goal a season striker.

“We haven’t. But we have got front players who are clever and can move the ball well and share those goals out.

“Fil’s come back into the side and is playing exceptionally well and he got a good goal again.

“Billy Clarke had a chance, Yeatesy (Mark Yeates) is lively and about things and he’ll get goals. So I think it will be shared around.

“Maybe it’s better that way than having to rely on a certain player.

“You come unstuck when you do that. It’s all right if they are getting goals but at some point in the season they are going to go through spells when they’re not scoring or injured or whatever.

“That’s when it’s got to come from the rest of the lads and we’re doing that.”

Stead was grateful to play his part at The Shay after Chris Powell allowed him to be cup-tied. With James Hanson currently out, his presence was crucial.

And he calmed growing nerves with the coolly-taken equaliser after being sent through by substitute Billy Clarke.

Stead added: “I was badgering the gaffer to allow me to play. Obviously after scoring as well last week, I wanted to keep this run going and playing as many games as I can.

“I feel I’m playing well at the minute, I’m scoring goals and I want that to continue. The only way I can carry that on is being on the pitch as long as possible.

“I think the big difference was Billy coming on. He changed the game for us and we got what we wanted in the end.

“It was clever play from him to put me in and I pray for those chances.

“It’s pleasing to get in the hat. It wasn’t an easy way to do it but the FA Cup never is.

“I thought Halifax did tremendously well and made it extremely difficult for us.

“Our supporters were fantastic and stuck with us. There were a few moans and groans in the first half but rightly so.

“We turned that round for them and that extra support going towards that goal was vital for us.”

He had started alongside Hanson for City’s previous two games but the top scorer’s effectiveness has been hampered by his on-going fitness problems.

Stead insists he is no direct replacement but is happy to take on the role of leading the line.

“Whoever plays, you’ve got to share it about and do your bit when you’re selected.

“Hans has obviously got some issues with his quads at the moment. I’m here and raring to go, like I was when I came through the door.”