BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent hero Phil Kelly has admitted being proud of his goal-scoring feats for the club.

The attacking midfielder hit a spectacular, last-gasp winner in Saturday's 2-1 Bostik League premier division victory against Hendon.

It means he has now scored at every level from step seven to step three, dating back to the club's Essex and Suffolk Border League days.

The victory gave Regent a springboard heading into Monday's match at Needham Market and the R's duly won 3-0.

It means they are very much up and running and long-serving Kelly is happy to be playing his part for the Taydal Stadium side.

"When the goal went in at the weekend, I was absolutely over the moon, especially as I thought the keeper was going to save it," he told the Gazette.

"I knew that if I scored in the premier division, I would have scored at every level since the Border League days.

"It's not something I'd thought about too much but it's still a good achievement and one I'm proud of.

"I just keep going every year and try and score as many goals as I can, regardless of what level it's at.

"I try and play the same way but I must admit, last season's goals and now this one mean a lot more to me because of the level we're at.

"It's tough. We're in unknown territory and you have to learn and adapt.

"You've got to be stronger and mentally, you're always having to make decisions.

"In the lower leagues, the likelihood is you'll get lots of chances but in this division you might only get one opportunity in the whole game.

"The difference is massive and there are fine margins between winning and losing, but we're getting to grips with it and confidence is growing all the time."

Given the significance of Saturday's goal, Kelly admitted it was up there with his favourites in a Regent shirt.

Having spotted the keeper off his line, he unleashed a volley that dropped into the net.

"It's up there with my favourite goals, mostly because of the importance of it," added Kelly.

"We'd played well in the previous three games against some good teams, only getting one point, so to get that first victory on the board was a big thing, especially in terms of morale.

"It was a massive weight off everyone's shoulders."

Brightlingsea followed it up by winning 3-0 at Needham on Monday, thanks to goals from George Doyle, Aaron Condon and Billy Hunt.

Hunt was also on target in Saturday's match against Hendon.

Regent head to Hanwell Town for an FA Cup first qualifying round tie on Saturday.