NATHANIEL Knight-Percival is a name to conjure with but he admits its appearance on the City scoresheet is overdue.

The left-sided centre half has looked a pretty class act in a back four that currently rates as the second meanest in League One.

Knight-Percival has started 27 games, more than any other outfield player in Stuart McCall's squad, but there remains one glaring omission.

He is still to break his duck in the goal tally.

That is particularly surprising for a player always looking to get on the end of set-pieces – and someone who netted five times last year in a Shrewsbury side fighting off relegation.

Knight-Percival said: "It would be nice to get a similar amount this season. It's a shame but you've got to be persistent and hopefully one will drop my way soon.

"Obviously I want to score some goals and help out at the other end. I've had a few chances.

"I thought I would score against Scunthorpe (on Boxing Day) but unfortunately I made it pretty easy for the keeper. It was a pity not to get off the mark.

"We obviously want to get some more goals as a team. We know that's not just about the strikers. Obviously the midfield and defenders have all got to start chipping in as well and it's important that we do that."

Monday's comeback win at Northampton was the first time City had scored more than once in ten games since thumping Rochdale 4-0 in mid-November.

Corners and set-pieces have not proved a particular fruitful area.

Knight-Percival's regular central partner Romain Vincelot is also still to notch his first one for the club.

But there are no such concerns at the other end of the pitch. Bury's goal last week was the first City had conceded at Valley Parade in 499 minutes of football – more than eight hours.

"Not conceding is a vital part of picking up points, so we're happy at what we're doing at that end of the pitch," said Knight-Percival.

"We're very pleased with that statistic and it comes from working hard on the training pitch.

"Sometimes you do worry when you first come in if everyone's going to bed in. But when you're playing with top professionals, like we've got here, then it's only going to go one way."

Rory McArdle came back in at Sixfields and delivered a typically no-nonsense display but it is Knight-Percival's combo with Vincelot that has so far caught the eye.

"We train together every day and we've got a really good understanding," said Knight-Percival.

"It's just grown from the first game.We've just clicked and gone from strength to strength. After a while, you're going to get used to how everyone works and plays.

"Romain has played there before, so he's more than comfortable. But we need to keep our focus and concentrate."

City face Chesterfield tomorrow in the first home game of 2017 still unbeaten at Valley Parade. Knight-Percival sees that as a source of pride for the team.

He said: "If the opposition are worried about coming to Valley Parade because of our home record, then that's going to help us. We want to create that fortress."