Winger Kieron Campbell was delighted to come up with the goals when it mattered most to help guide Herne Bay to promotion.

Campbell found the net three times in as many games at the business end of the season to guide Bay to Isthmian Premier for the first time in the club’s history.

He struck in their Isthmian South East play-off semi-final 3-3 draw at home to Haywards Heath before a 6-5 shoot-out success at Winch’s Field, before breaking the deadlock in their 2-0 victory at Ashford in the play-off final on Saturday in front of a crowd of almost 2,000 at Homelands.

“I have been playing well for the last couple of years but not scoring goals has probably been my biggest weakness as to why I haven’t been playing at a higher level,” said Campbell who ended the campaign with 10 goals.

“I went on a spell where I scored four in four [around Christmas] and to come back alive at the latter stages of the season is what it’s all about. We can’t rely on Zak [Ansah] to score all the time!

“It’s good. I don’t care who they give the goals to.

“We’re promoted and going up, and that’s the main thing.”

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Campbell, who had previously lost out with Faversham in the play-off final in 2016 at Worthing, was one of Ben Smith’s first signings in 2019 having been appointed by chairman Stuart Fitchie as Bay’s boss.

Summing up his emotions, Campbell, who also plays for popular Sunday League side SE Dons, stated: “It feels amazing.

“When Ben came in and Fitchie took over, me and Zak were the first two signings.

“They said ‘What are your plans for Herne Bay’ and I always said it was to be in the play-off places and not to dwell on before.

“The first two seasons got cancelled because of Covid and, our first full season together, we’ve done it!

“I can’t really put it into words but it means a lot.”

Campbell also described Herne Bay’s supporters as the best he has played in front of during his career, saying: “They’re unreal and I’m so happy for them.”

And the wideman is backing himself to be able to make an impact at Step 3 next season.

He said: “I always back myself.

"I know my ability and I just feel like I’m getting better and better.

“So I’m just ready to go again, man.”