BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent assistant boss Pip Boyland hailed the technical ability of two-goal hero Billy Hunt following Saturday’s dramatic FA Trophy victory against AFC Hornchurch.

Hunt netted both goals in a 2-1 success at the Taydal Stadium – starting with an audacious lobbed finish from 35 yards.

His second was more of a predatory finish seven minutes from time to seal the victory and put Brightlingsea’s name in the hat for today’s third qualifying round draw, taking place at Wembley Stadium at around 1pm.

“Billy has goals like that in his locker,” said Boyland, referring to Hunt's second-minute opener on Saturday.

“He’s got so much talent, quality and ability and he showed what he’s about, with his eye for goal and the finish he produced.

“No-one else saw that chance was on apart from Billy.

“He’s then got the technical ability to bring the ball down and produce a finish like that.

“Billy’s performance was one of the big positives of the day, along with the result.”

Regent defended manfully during the second half, before Hunt’s winner.

“Hornchurch are a strong, physical side and players who can attack the ball but we held out,” added Boyland.

“We didn’t concede from open play and they didn’t create many chances, which was a real positive for our defensive unit.”

Check the Gazette website at lunchtime today for news of the Trophy draw.