BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent hero Aaron Condon has reflected on one of the best goals of his illustrious non-league career.

The wide man is no stranger to spectacular strikes, both in the colours of previous club FC Clacton and now Bostik League premier division neighbours Brightlingsea.

However, he rated Saturday’s last-gasp leveller against Staines Town as one of his best yet - especially as it capped a thrilling comeback in a 2-2 draw.

Ricky Griggs had earlier halved the deficit with a cracking goal of his own, after first-half efforts from the visitors’ Tyrell Miller-Rodney and Elliot Buchanan.

“I’ve been lucky enough to score a few great goals down the years but this was one of the best I’ve scored,” said Condon, who celebrated his 28th birthday on Monday.

“I was a long way out and don’t think I’ve ever hit a ball more sweetly. It was such a straight shot and went like an arrow into the top corner.

“Given that it came in the last minute and secured a draw against one of the best sides in the division, I’d definitely rate it as one of my best and most memorable goals.”

The only downside for Condon was that he was booked for his celebrations afterwards - earning him a second yellow card and therefore a suspension for Saturday’s trip to Hendon.

“I’d been booked in the first half for a foul and then, amid the celebrations of my goal, I jumped over the barrier to be with the fans,” he said.

“I understand that by the letter of the law, it was right to show me another yellow card and therefore send me off.

“But I wish the referee had used a bit more common sense and let me off with a warning.

“It was such an emotional moment and I’d just scored a very good and important goal, in the last minute.

“I could understand it if I’d jumped into the crowd in a professional game in a packed stadium.

“But there was no way that what I did at the weekend caused any kind of safety issue.

“This is non-league football and I was celebrating with about 20 fans.

“There was no need to punish me with a red card.”

Condon’s strike took his tally for the season to eight goals, making him joint top-scorer with Billy Hunt.

He then notched his ninth in Tuesday’s 4-2 defeat at Margate.

“I feel things are going pretty well,” he said.

“I’m not a rough-and-tumble player who’s going to make crunching tackles, but I’m now top scorer, have made the most assists and the most appearances this season.

“My stats are there for everyone to see and I’m happy with the way I’m playing.

“As a team, I firmly believe we should be aiming for a play-off spot because we’re not a million miles away.

“We were favourites to go down after gaining promotion last season and we’ve still got a lot of learning to do.

“We certainly need to improve our away form but we’re doing well overall, especially at home.

“Our ground has become a bit of a fortress and the way we came back from behind at the weekend, scoring two great goals, shows the quality and spirit we have within the squad.”

Regent took the lead in Tuesday’s defeat at Margate.

Hunt gave them an early advantage, before goals from the hosts’ Ben Swift and Frannie Collin.

Condon equalised just after the hour-mark but Margate finished strongly with goals from Jay May and Jordan Chiedozie.

After Saturday’s trip to Hendon, they return to the Taydal Stadium on Boxing Day for a home game against Needham Market (kick-off 1pm).