Langney Sports teenager Matt Crabb has been showered with praise by former England international Paul Parker.

Parker, now coach at Chelmsford, witnessed the winger destroy his eastern division leaders 3-0 at Priory Lane last weekend.

The former Manchester United star, who played for England in the 1990 World Cup sem-final against Germany, said: "He will go a long way in the game if he carries on playing like that. So long as the lad has a good appetite for the game, works hard and shows a willingness to learn he will have a great chance of getting into professional football.

"He was by far the best player on the park and I've not seen anyone better in that position in non-League football.

"He works as hard when he is off the ball as when he's on it. When he is in possession he looks confident and shows a great deal of maturity. Langney can feel proud to have a player as good as that in their ranks."

Crabb, 19, who signed in pre-season from Eastbourne United, wants to become a professional.

He said: "Any praise from someone like Paul Parker is flattering. Since coming here, I've settled in well and am pleased with my form.

"When Langney came in for me during the summer I was surprised. A lot of people felt I would not get many games, but that hasn't been the case."

Manager Garry Wilson and coach Nick Greenwood have been working hard with him and Crabb says they have helped improve his game.

Crabb is one of only two players on a two-year contract at the club. Top-scorer Matt Allen is the other, with right winger John Westcott committed until the end of the season.

Parker was also impressed with the set-up at Langney Sports. He said: "Langney are the only other club in the division, apart from ourselves, showing real ambition. They have a lovely ground and I'm impressed by the way they're running the club.

"It sounds as though everything is done there in a sensible and professional manner. And everything seems to be done in a friendly environment.

"Garry and Nick certainly have the makings of an excellent side. They could be a good bet for promotion next season if they can strengthen in the summer."

Greenwood said: "It shows how far the club has come when we get praise like that."

Langney crashed 5-0 at Grantham in midweek to deflate their excellent triumph last weekend.

Wilson said: "They were too physical for us. The boys got muscled off the park. Grantham were big and strong, whereas Chelmsford were a footballing side that allowed us to play a little.

"Grantham have shown to me what we need to be successful. I think we need more strength in the side."