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Classy midfielder D'Sean Theobalds knew it was 'now or never' when he scored his stunning individual goal in Tonbridge's super play-off final.
Angels' season was on the line when Theobalds burst forward - and he knew time was against him having just checked with the referee how long was left.
Theobalds collected the ball around 40 yards from goal and skipped past a number of Met Police challenges before scoring the equaliser that kept Tonbridge's season alive and took the game into extra-time.
"When I got the ball from Chin I thought 'we’re 2-1 down and I’ve got to go for it'," recalled Theobalds.
"I went on a run and kept going and going, went past a few players and got into the box.
"Then I thought how far can I go? So I got an early shot off and tried to beat the goalkeeper. I just took the shot on and it went in!
"I don’t know how many players I beat, in my head it was about two! I was just concentrating on trying not to get tackled and going towards the goal.
"The referee said there were five minutes left so I was thinking this is now or never. It was my chance and I don’t get too many of them.
"I thought I’m just going to go for it, and it paid off."
The goal sparked wild celebrations with Tonbridge manager Steve McKimm running 60 yards to congratulate the scorer.
"It’s my first goal for Tonbridge," added Theobalds. "Every week I’ve tried to get closer and closer, I’ve had a bit of banter about it.
"It’s hard to put into words what it means to score in the final – I’ve got a goal that has helped us win.
"Definitely the best goal I’ve ever scored, and probably the best moment I’ve ever had in football. To get promoted is just the greatest feeling.
"It means so much for everyone in the club. This year we’ve had to have that extra game as well. We trailed twice and it meant so much that we were back in it.
"We always had belief and that’s what helped us, even when we were behind we still kept going, everyone was demanding that we played."
Theobalds joined Angels at Christmas from Leatherhead and is delighted he now has the chance to play in National League South next season.
"It was the right decision for me," said Theobalds. "I wanted to come to Tonbridge and one of conversations we had was to challenge for the play-offs and get promoted. It was a goal of mine so it’s a great feeling.
"The celebrations after the game were crazy, so many fans came out and we had more fans than them.
"I was so tired after the game but it was a great feeling having the fans there. They stuck by us and hopefully we’ve repaid them.
"It’s a higher league next season, it’s good to test yourselves. It's going to be different and I think it’s a challenge everyone is going to be ready for.
"I’m ready now, I’m excited and want to start now – bring it on!"
