RUBEN Bartlett-Antwi ensured Basildon United’s season got off to the perfect start after netting the winner in Saturday’s 2-1 win against Hadley.

Bartlett-Antwi netted five minutes from time to ensure victory for the Bees in an FA Cup extra preliminary round clash.

And Bartlett-Antwi hopes the result will give Basildon a boost ahead of their Isthmian North opener against Haringey Borough this weekend .

“It’s great to start off with a win not only to push us through into the next round but also to give us confidence going into the league opener next week,” said Bartlett-Antwi.

“It’s a positive start for sure.”

And Bartlett-Antwi was also happy with his own contribution.

“It’s great to get on the score sheet again,” said Bartlett-Antwi.

“I feel like my strength is putting the ball in the back of the net so getting the winner in the FA Cup to put the team through is something I believed I would do that night before the game.”

But Bartlett-Antwi now wants the win to be the sign of things to come as Basildon bid to better last season’s campaign.

“I hope for the team we can go again and beat the points record set by the club last season, “said Bartlett-Antwi who joined the Bees from West Essex towards the back end of the previous campaign.

“We have a good group of players so I believe it’s possible and we will take it game by game and hopefully be up there come the end of the season.

“On a personal note I hope to continue to put in performances for the team and keep scoring goals week in week out.”