BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT boss James Webster hailed match-winner Phil Kelly after the R’s secured their first victory of the Bostik League premier division campaign, beating Hendon 2-1.

The substitute netted with a sublime volley to spark scenes of wild celebration at the Taydal Stadium on Saturday.

Until that magic moment, it seemed the hosts would have to settle for a share of the spoils after taking the lead but quickly being pegged back.

They broke the deadlock in the 74th minute, through Billy Hunt, but Hendon were level within a minute thanks to Keagan Cole.

Moments before, Niko Muir had blazed a penalty high and wide for the London side.

The key moment in the game came right at the death, though, and it was Kelly – the scorer of so many spectacular goals down the years – who came up trumps with an unstoppable volley that flew over keeper Tom Lovelock.

“Phil’s capable of popping up with moments of magic,” Webster told the Gazette.

“Technically, he’s so good and he’s got better and physically stronger down the years.

“He was a bit frustrated not to start but showed a great attitude and was determined to come off the bench and show I’d made the wrong decision.

“Phil’s produced goals at every level we’ve been through and been a key player over the last seven seasons.

“To score at every level from step seven to step three takes some doing and I’m really chuffed for him.

“It would be hard to think of a sweeter way to gain our first three points.

“I’m pleased for the lads because we wanted that first victory.

"It’s nice to get the monkey off our back.

“The longer we’d gone without winning, it would have started to become a bit of a thing.

“People would have been talking about it and we’d have been wondering when it was going to come.

“Hopefully the boys now believe they’re good enough.”

There was a major scare for the hosts when referee Daniel Hanna pointed to the spot for a foul by Matt Cripps.

However, Muir blazed his spot-kick inexplicably high and wide to ensure it remained goal-less – but not for long.

It was the hosts who finally broke the deadlock with an unusual goal, when Arthur Lee’s attempted clearance from Cripps’ cross smashed against Hunt and ricocheted into the Hendon net.

However, it was to prove a short-lived lead, as, within a minute, Zak Joseph’s driven cross from the right was turned in by Cole.

However, the key moment in the game was still to come and it was fitting that the star of the show was Kelly - a stalwart of the club since their days in the Essex and Suffolk Border League.

“We played well and, for me, haven’t been outclassed yet,” added Webster, who takes his side to Needham Market this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

“We’ve been nice and solid and stayed in games, while trying to take our chances at the other end.

“It’s going to be a tough season.

“We know that already because the margins are so small.

“We’ll win some and we’ll lose some but it’s nice that we came away with the right result this time.”

Elsewhere, in the north division, Juan Luque scored the winner as HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS maintained their strong start with a 1-0 victory at Barking.

MALDON AND TIPTREE went down 3-2 at home to Hertford Town, with their goals coming from Ryan Clampin and Ryan Gondoh.

Nicholas Akoto was red-carded for the Jammers.

WITHAM TOWN suffered heartache after conceding two very late goals and losing 2-1 at Aveley on Friday night.

Elliot Ronto had put them in front just after half-time.

Swifts and Maldon meet in a derby at Scraley Road this afternoon, while Witham are at home to Barking (both 3pm).