AFTER netting 12 goals in the opening 12 games of the club's first Conference South campaign City striker Matt Tubbs upped his target from 20 to 30.

The Salisbury-born striker's 84th minute winner in Sunday's play-off final duly delivered the big three-O, and despite now having 88 to his credit in less than 160 games for the Whites, none could have been more crucial.

Not even the equaliser against Nottingham Forest earlier this season that forced an FA Cup second round replay.

"That beats the Forest goal hands down just for the fact that we've got promoted," said the 23-year-old former Bolton Wanderers and AFC Bournemouth apprentice.

"It's unbelievable.

"I thought the game was fairly even to be honest but it's just good to get the win.

"We didn't have that many clear chances throughout the game but when one came along, we just put it away."

Tubbs, one of the club's most popular characters, had his fair amount of criticism earlier this year after being handed a lengthy suspension.

After being shown his fourth red card of the season, he was sidelined for some vital league games - his absence coinciding with an injury crisis which left City playing for second place instead of pushing eventual champions Histon to the wire.

Tubbs insists he has learned his lesson and will look back on this season with nothing but great memories.

"That was my 30th goal. At the start of the season, no-one would have dreamt of back-to-back promotions and the cup runs we've had - both of them.

"It's just unbelievable. It's not quite sunk in yet. It'll probably sink in tomorrow with the hangover!"

The striker was quick to praise his team mates, who dug deep to ensure they first made the play-offs, then battled to overcome Bishop's Stortford in extra time in the semi-final to set up Sunday's tense encounter with Braintree.

"Everyone deserves the same amount of credit.

"The defence have done a great job today as well as the midfield.

"As a striker, you're paid to score goals and I just did my job today.

"I couldn't believe Clarkey's save.

"I thought he was going to throw his cap on it at one point. He moved to the right than jumped to the left then back-punched it over the bar.

"I'd like to think the goal will be remembered but, personally, I didn't think I had a very good game today.

"It was one of those game I couldn't really get into as much as I'd have liked to. They're solid at the back but I was just lucky to get one chance in the last ten minutes and I was lucky enough to put it away."