Kevin Ellison says his strike in Newport County AFC’s dramatic play-off semi-final victory over Forest Green Rovers is one of the most important of his career.
Ellison, who was sent on as a second-half substitute, drew County level in the tie after three goals in the space of 46 minutes saw Rovers wipe out the Exiles’ aggregate lead.
The 42-year-old picked up the ball and fired off the underside of the crossbar from 25 yards, which set County on their way to securing a 5-4 aggregate win and saw him become the oldest player to score in the EFL play-offs.
He has found the net against Port Vale and Morecambe this term, but believes his goal against Rovers ranks as the most pivotal for the Exiles - and is up there as one of the most crucial of his 25-year career.
"I think that’s the most important one,” said Ellison.
"You look at the Port Vale one, we got three points and it made a difference. I enjoyed the Morecambe one too, but tonight’s is up there as being one of the most important ones I’ve scored in my career.
"The last time that I was in a big game I don’t think I was there mentally if I’m honest. I am in a better place now, I soak up the moments and I am more in the moment.
"At 42 people are writing you off week after week but I have just broken another record and hopefully I can break another one next week by playing a part to get a win and get us promoted."
The prize for Ellison - and County - is a trip to Wembley for a final against his former club Morecambe, who he departed in the summer after nine years with the Shrimps.
Ellison helped the Exiles secure a 3-1 win over Derek Adams’ men earlier in the campaign and is hoping to play a part in toppling his former side again in London.
"If I could have picked a team to play in the final it would have been them because of my past with them," he added.
"But it's about Newport County, not about Kevin Ellison. I know that they are going to fear me a bit like Newport did, and that's not an ego thing, I am in their heads.
"Hopefully that can play a part and take the pressure of our lads. I'll get a bit of pressure and some stick but if that helps the lads, so be it. I am going there to win for Newport County."
County were cheered on by 900 home supporters for the first time in 14 months for the first leg at Rodney Parade on Tuesday, although there was no away following in Nailsworth due to restrictions.
But there will more than 4,000 in attendance for the final and Ellison believes they can help the Exiles get over the line.
"I am gutted that they weren't at Forest Green for that game but at 2-0 down after 10 minutes they probably would have been effing and blinding, some would have left!
"But it was brilliant to have them at Rodney Parade last week and it will be great to have them there supporting us at Wembley, playing a part.
"It would have been nice to score in front of them but hopefully they all watched on telly and get behind us on Monday and we take it home for them."