Dave Cameron is over the moon at putting his Albion nightmare behind him.

The 23-year-old Worthing marksman is still bitter about the way he was treated by the Seagulls' management. He does not like going into detail when recalling how he was the target of a controversial personal attack by assistant-manager Alan Cork.

Cork's comments, which manager Micky Adams said were made under his instructions, hurt the big Scotsman. But at least he is now playing for a club that hold him in high esteem.

No one at Woodside Road would agree with Adams and Cork after watching Cameron's first three matches for Rebels. In fact, he's quickly establishing himself as a crowd favourite.

Scouts from Peterborough, Rushden and Dover, among others, have already flocked to watch the 6ft target man in action for the Ryman League division one side.

"If they came to watch on Tuesday, I was rubbish," joked the former soldier, signed by Adams from St Mirren in the summer. That night Cameron thumped in five goals on his Woodside Road debut against Barton Rovers, a club record, and his humour reflects his modesty He is said to be a quiet lad, letting his football do the talking. Cameron added: "I was unfairly treated at Albion. Things were said about me that were untrue. Trouble was I never had the chance to put the record straight."

He just wants to forget those dark days at Withdean Stadium and concentrate on getting his career back on track. Dover boss Bill Williams has expressed a keen interest, but manager Sammy Donnelly confirmed he would have to pay Worthing an undisclosed fee to secure his services.

Cameron is sure to be subject of other offers, but he insists: "At the moment, I just want to concentrate on playing football. I've enjoyed it since joining Worthing and that's the most important thing for me right now."

Rebels striker Simon Funnell, an Albion old boy himself, believes Cameron's signing has shown how ambitious Worthing are to progress up the pyramid.

The 25-year-old forward, who played in midfield for the first half, knows how difficult it can be to adjust from the professional game to non-League.

He said: "It's more physical than the League. You get less time on the ball and aren't respected as footballers by the opposition. It can be quite unforgiving at times.

"Dave has adapted quickly, though. He's a big lad with physical presence, so it hasn't been too difficult for him. He's an excellent player and when you have Ben Carrington alongside him in the frontline then opponents really do have their work cut out."

Carrington and Cameron combined to clinch what proved the decisive second goal after Funnell had given them the lead on seven minutes with an angled drive.

The Scotsman raced free down the right flank before delivering a perfect low cross for Carrington to stroke home with aplomb from eight yards on 54 minutes.

Donnelly, whose side moved up to fourth and within two points of a promotion spot, admits he has an embarrassment of riches.

He said: "With strikers like Funnell, Cameron and Carrington, we have real quality in the side. Cameron's signing has been a big boost for us. What makes him such a good player is his ability to create goals as much as he scores them.

"We're looking to win our remaining matches and if that puts us in the promotion spot we'll be delighted. But there's a lot of work to be put in before we can contemplate promotion."

Worthing have four league matches left and face Burgess Hill at Lancing tomorrow night for the final of the Sussex Floodlight Cup. Rebels could count themselves unlucky not to make the premier division if they pick up maximum points.

But there was no doubting on Cameron's performance that Albion's loss is Worthing's gain and Cork's comments haven't effected his appetite for the game.

WORTHING: Bray, M Rutherford, Weston, Burt (Rutherford) 78mins), Webber, Kennett, James, Cox, Cameron, Funnell, Carrington (Miles 89mins). Sub not used: Tuck.

BRAINTREE: Desborough, Bond, Jones, Keeper, Cherry (Miller 60mins), Tanner (Renshaw 85mins), Naylor, Quinton, Gutzmore, Fox (O'Sullivan 70mins), Hooker.

Men-of-the-match: Cameron (Worthing); Gutzmore (Braintree).

Referee: Mr A Wilkins (Gravesend).

Attendance: 402.