After picking up their first league win of the season -- a 6-0 hammering of bottom team Sheffield United -- the feeling around Manchester city's Maine Road ground is that another promotion push could be in store.

Shawn Goater helped City to their comfortable victory, as he was fouled for the penalty which resulted in the second goal and then scored the fourth himself in the second half before going off with a slight injury.

"I had a knock and the manager decided to bring me off, the result was well in the bag by then,'' said Goater this week.

Goater helped set up the team's second goal in a controversial incident which resulted in the United goalkeeper being sent off for a challenge on the corner of the 18-yard box.

Goater intercepted a pass back to the 'keeper as contact was made on the edge of the box. Television replays showed that contact was made outside the penalty area but a penalty was awarded and Kevin Horlock scored his second penalty in the space of six minutes. The Sheffield United goalkeeper, Simon Tracey, was also ejected.

Goater has since seen the footage and agrees the team got a break with that call.

City went on a rout in the second half as wingers Terry Cooke and Mark Kennedy tormented the Sheffield defence. Goater and his strike partner Paul Dickov are excited about the possibilities.

"Dickie and I sat down during pre-season and had a chat about the damage those two will do to other teams,'' said the Bermudian.

"We know that they're going to get so many good balls into the box and we've just got to make sure we are there to get on the end of them.

"For myself I'm pleased to get my first league goal out of the way.'' Goater also scored in the team's 5-0 first leg victory over Burnley in the League Cup two weeks ago.

The lead was so comfortable, Goater and several others were rested for the second leg on Tuesday night as City easily wrapped up the tie with a 1-0 away win.

Now, after a draw and a loss against Wolves and Fulham in their first two league games, City are aiming to make a strong bid to stay amongst the early pacesetters in the First Division.

"I honestly think that after the first seven games I will be able to give an honest opinion on that because we will have played some of the big teams,'' said Goater.

"We play Bolton next and then Nottingham Forest and have already played Wolves, Fulham and Sheffield United.'' Having been the top scorer at his clubs over the last few seasons, Goater finds himself trailing winger Mark Kennedy in the scoring. Goater has two goals and Kennedy three.

"I'm just pleased to be chipping away, the more games we go through I should be scoring more goals,'' said Goater who is happy that the scoring responsibilities are being shared.

"I'm pleased that there are more players scoring. Early in the season last season there wasn't too many of us scoring so this is good and we're hoping we can continue that.'' Goater is looking forward to his first full season in the First Division, having last had a taste of it two seasons ago when he signed with City late in the season and was relegated with them. He admits the standard is higher than what he saw in the Second Division.

"Teams can keep the ball and pass it around and make you pay for mistakes,'' he said. "That's been the main difference I've seen so far.

"I'm definitely enjoying it, it's been a long time waiting for it. I'm out of Division Two and now in Division One and looking forward to the whole season.

"What we've come across so far is nothing for us to fear. It's all about consistency and if we can manage to put together some good results.'' Second Division team Stoke City also picked up their first league win on Saturday, but Bermudian striker Kyle Lightbourne was not involved in the 3-1 win over Millwall. Lightbourne, still on the transfer list, watched the match from the stands.