James Tilley has described his first goal for Crawley as the best feeling in the world.

The former Albion midfielder went on as sub and scored late to secure Reds a 1-0 success at home to Colchester United in League Two.

Tilley, from Billingshurst in West Sussex, joined Crawley recently after parting company with Grimsby.

He could face his old club on Tuesday after going on to secure Reds’ first win since their famous FA Cup success over Leeds six weeks ago.

Tilley said: “It’s the best feeling in the world to score a last-minute goal.

“You have worked so hard to stop them scoring and hopefully score ourselves.

“We just needed that bit of luck to fall our way.

“The last couple of weeks have been tough but we have kept working hard in training.”

It is not too long ago that Tilley was seen as one of the brightest prospects in Albion’s under-23s.

After being let go, he attempted to kick start his EFL career with Grimsby under the management of Ian Holloway.

Now he would love to take on his previous club on Tuesday when Reds go to Blundell Park.

He said: “Every player wants to start every game.

“I want to make my mark on the team.

“I got an opportunity to come on and I think I took it.

“Hopefully I am in the manager’s thoughts for Grimsby on Tuesday.”

Tilley calmly guided a low shot into the bottom corner from near the penalty spot after Tom Nichols had cut the ball back from the byline.

Victory ended a run of one point from a possible 12 for John Yems' men.