Jamie Cureton scores twice on his 1,000th career appearance as Bishop's Stortford beat Brightlingsea Regent in Bostik League, Premier Division

Jamie Cureton marked his 1,000th senior club appearance in typical fashion as his brace guided Bishop's Stortford to a massive 3-2 home win over Brightlingsea Regent this afternoon.

A 640-strong crowd was at the ProKit UK Stadium to witness the 43-year-old striker's big moment as the Blues maintained their dream of reaching the Bostik League, Premier Division play-offs.

The win keeps them in fifth place - the last play-off spot - with only this Saturday's trip to fourth-placed Carshalton Athletic remaining. Stortford are above sixth-placed Merstham due to their goal difference being superior by six, with eighth-placed Worthing only two points adrift.

It was the Blues' seventh consecutive victory, with Luke Callander coming off the bench to get the other goal.

After a special presentation to celebrate his special day, Cureton soon made his usual impact on the pitch by notching an early brace.

Having shot narrowly wide after good work from Ryan Charles, the forward volleyed in Ben Worman's cross at the back post after 14 minutes.

Cureton, who made his debut for Norwich City in the Premier League back in 1994, then made it 361 career goals just three minutes later when he drilled home from another Worman delivery.

Joint-manager Cureton, who is one of only 29 players in the world to have hit the 1,000-game milestone, then got an assist when substitute Callander made it 3-0 in the 71st minute from close range.

Brightlingsea did pull a couple of goals back in the last 15 minutes, with Aaron Condon scoring the rebound after his penalty had been saved by Arthur Janata and Josh Gould heading in, but the Blues held on for the three points.

Cureton received a standing ovation when he was substituted with five minutes left.