LITTLE Oakley defender Lewis Wood admitted being pleased and proud after bringing up his century of goals for the Acorns.

The popular centre-half netted twice in Tuesday's 2-1 victory against Braintree Town Reserves, at the Memorial Ground.

It came just three days after notching another double in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Hackney Wick.

And in opening the scoring against the Young Irons, he made it to 100 Oakley goals.

“It’s a special achievement, a great feeling and something I’m very proud of," said the long-serving defender.

“The win was the main thing but it’s always a bonus to chip in with a goal or two.

“I was aware of my record and knew I was in the 90s.

“So to bring up my hundred, scoring four goals in a week, has been great.

“I went close and then hit the woodwork before my first goal on Tuesday and it was exactly the same on Saturday.

“I could have scored four goals in both games and that’s the way it goes sometimes.

“Most of the chances I get are far-post headers and it’s something I’ve got stronger and stronger at, as I’ve gained more experience.

“It seems to be paying off at the minute and long may that continue."

Oakley are third in the Thurlow Nunn League division one south table and still unbeaten in the league, heading into this weekend's tricky match at leaders White Ensign.

They have won three and drawn three of their opening six matches.

“We’re unbeaten in the league so on the team front we couldn’t have asked for a better start," added Wood, who now has five goals for the season, having also notched in Oakley's Essex Senior Cup tie against Burnham Ramblers.

“It’s been pretty perfect and hopefully we can push on on Saturday.

“White Ensign will be a tough game but we're determined to maintain our run.

“We want to keep it going as long as we can."

Oakley bossed the first half against Braintree and fully deserved their 2-0 lead.

However, the Young Irons pulled one back after the break and nearly grabbed an equaliser - only to be denied by a fantastic goal-line clearance from Jamie Dobkin.

“We dominated the first half but for some reason a switch went and we went into panic mode," said Wood, who is into his 14th season at the Memorial Ground.

“We made hard work of it but got there in the end.

“Jamie (Dobkin) made a goal-line clearance right at the end and it’s important moments like that which change games.

“We scraped through but at the end of the day it’s all about getting the result and putting another three points on the board.

“We want to keep climbing the table and we’ll see where we go.”