Lewis Gard says Tonbridge team-mate Jordan Higgs’ wonder strike against Maidstone is the best goal he’s ever seen.

Higgs’ brilliant volley in the fourth minute of added time secured a point for Angels in the Boxing Day derby.

Gard was in no doubt how highly he rated his fellow midfielder’s effort following the 1-1 draw.

“I’ve seen him do it in training before,” he said.

“He was 10 yards away from me and in my head I was saying please shoot.

“It’s the best goal I’ve ever seen, honestly. It was unbelievable.

“I want to watch it was back but the timing was unbelievable.

“I’ve never seen a better goal than that.”

Tonbridge boss Jay Saunders was disappointed with the quality of the game, and the majority of his players agreed.

But Gard had a good time in midfield in a tight, cagey game.

“All the boys and the gaffer said it took a long time to get going but I really enjoyed it,” said Gard.

“I don’t know if that was just because of the atmosphere and everything, hearing both sets of fans the whole time.

“It was a bit like both teams kept each other out and couldn’t get going but I enjoyed it and I think we deserved a draw.

“The way we did it was a bit special.

“Based on the way we’ve been playing, the gaffer’s got every right to say what he did about the game because we have been very good recently.

“To be fair to Maidstone, they made it hard for us to play, so we never got into our groove properly, but hopefully we can get it right at their new place on New Year’s Day.

“We’ll definitely be up for it.”

Gard is enjoying another strong season at Tonbridge after winning the manager’s player-of-the-year award in his debut campaign following his arrival from Southend.

Injuries blunted his progress with the Shrimpers but the move to Longmead has worked out well.

“I remember speaking to the gaffer at Southend when I left and the conversation was that I needed to go and play games,” said Gard.

“I was nearly 23 when I left and because of my injuries, I’d played 15 games. I needed to play a lot more and he couldn’t guarantee me games.

“It was a blessing in disguise because I’ve come here and I’ve really enjoyed it. I’m playing every week and I love it.

“It’s an ambitious club. In five years’ time I’d definitely expect us to be in the National League.

“I’m enjoying it and I think all the boys are as well.”