CHARLIE Stimson says he is targeting another successful season at Thurrock after reaching 200 appearances for the club.

The 25-year-old striker reached the landmark in last week’s Isthmian Premier League defeat against Tonbridge Angels.

And Stimson, who has scored 65 goals in his six-and-a-half years at Ship Lane, is keen not to dwell on becoming the club’s seventh all-time appearance maker.

“I am pleased of course but to me it is just another game,” he said. “It is just a number but it is nice to be at one club for a long period and try to make an impression.

“At this level it is a good achievement and I am enjoying my time here still. It has got better and better since I joined.

“We got relegated in my first season which was hard to take but ever since then we have been there or thereabouts.

“We missed out on the play offs in our first season in the Isthmian North due to goal difference. And we were beaten in the final – which I was suspended for - and semi-final in the play-offs in the two years after that.

“But we beat Maldon & Tiptree last year and it was great to great out of that division. We have been around a bit and this is where we want to be.”

Thurrock had been struggling in the early months of the season and were near the foot of the standings.

But three wins in their last five matches - including a 4-2 triumph against Burgess Hill Town on Saturday - has seen them climb 10 points clear of the one relegation place this season.

And Stimson, who is pleased with his goal tally, is satisfied with the team’s progress.

“To get 65 goals in 200 games is pretty good for me,” he said. “It is nearly one in three and I am not an out and out striker either. I like to help the team and do the horrible side of things so the goal ratio for how I play is good and I just want to carry on.

“We are in a new league at a higher level I think it is a big difference to the league below. The top half has some very talented teams and the lower half is well matched I believe.

“At the moment we are picking up some good results and we are on target for where we want to be. We want to play the right way and when we need to do the other side of the game we will do.

“We have had some good results in the last month and it is a stepping stone. I enjoy it a lot, and I just want to play football.

“It is hard sometimes as you get up at 6am and then have to travel to places like Folkestone on a Tuesday but it is the way it is. And we love the game.”

Fleet ran out 4-2 winners against Burgess Hill on Saturday, with Stimson on target.

There was barely 20 seconds on the clock when Dennis Oli fired the hosts into an early lead. Both sides exchanged chances before Burgess Hill pulled level.

James Richmond turned home and matters got worse for Fleet as Tony Garrod lobbed Jake Jessup to put the visitors ahead at the break.

A Ronnie Winn header struck the crossbar, but Thurrock were to draw level through Winn soon after the restart.

Goals from Joe Christou and Stimson wrapped up the points.