GRAYS Athletic winger João Carlos admits it is a ‘huge achievement’ to reach 300 games for the club.

Carlos made the milestone appearance in the 4-3 FA Trophy preliminary round win over Norwich United on Saturday.

And the wideman, who briefly featured for Concord Rangers in between two spells with Grays, marked the occasion by netting what proved to be winner from the penalty spot just before half-time.

Carlos was quick to hail the club’s fans for their support since first joining Grays in 2011.

The 28-year-old said: “It feels great to have made it to 300 appearances for Grays.

“It is a huge achievement for me. Not everyone gets to achieve this, especially in non-league.

“I have to thank the fans as this would have never happened without them.

“They were so supportive from my first appearance.

“It is always exciting to score on special occasions such as this so to mark it with a goal just makes it that much better.

“Putting the goal aside, winning was more important to me as Grays have great history in the FA Trophy.”

The Portuguese winger began his career in English football with Clapton, before moving onto Brentwood Town and Parkside landlords Aveley.

Carlos then featured in the Football League as he made his only appearance for Dagenham & Redbridge as a substitute against Rochdale in 2010.

A return to Brentwood Town followed, before Carlos joined Grays from Thurrock.

And one game in particular lives in the memory of the Grays fans’ favourite.

Carlos added: “A match against AFC Sudbury stands out.

“I was having a bad start to the season but again the fans still believed in me, cheered and kept motivating me.

“I ended up scoring one of my best goals and that kick-started a goal spree.”