HAT-TRICK hero Billy Hunt believes he and his team-mates can achieve "something special" at Brightlingsea Regent.

The striker marked his debut with a treble in Tuesday's 5-0 thumping of Ware - including an opener with his first touch.

Tom Richardson and Phil Kelly were also on target as the R's moved joint-top of Ryman League division north, alongside Maldon and Tiptree.

And Hunt believes that if the players knuckle down and produce more dominant performances, they could steer the club to promotion this season.

“I couldn’t have dreamt of anything more and have never done that before, scoring with my first touch for a new team," said the 26-year-old, who joined last week from Thurlow Nunn League neighbours Stanway Rovers.

“There was no better way to start and to go on and complete a hat-trick made it very special.

“To be signed by an already-winning side and then be given the chance to play straight away felt fantastic.

“Not many people get that opportunity. Normally you have to bide your time and wait for a chance.

“Hopefully I can carry on where I left off and score more goals for the club.

“The boys have been brilliant to me and I’ve settled in really well.

“There’s a great atmosphere and vibe around the club and I’m really pleased to have joined such a strong team.

"Hopefully something special can happen in the next few weeks.

“There’s certainly the potential for that to happen.

“There’s a very good group of players here and we just have to produce more dominant performances like the other night.

“If we keep scoring goals and defend well, I don’t see any reason why that can't happen."

Hunt, who had a spell with Chelmsford City in the Conference South, scored 36 goals in 50 appearances for Stanway.

He was also at Heybridge Swifts, where he spent two seasons and was top-scorer, before joining Rovers in 2015.

Former Stanway boss Angelo Harrop is now head coach at Brightlingsea and Hunt admits that was a key factor in him switching to North Road.

“Ang was a big part of my decision to join," he said.

“I had an opportunity to come here in the summer but decided to stay with him at Stanway.

“Now I felt the time was right to join him and have another crack at this level of football."

Regent boss Webster was delighted with the result - and has sung the praises of his new hot-shot.

“Billy was outstanding," he said.

"He took his goals well and was a threat all night.

“Although he’s joined us from the league below, he’s scored goals at this level before so signing him wasn’t a gamble.

“We knew he was fit and sharp and it’s great that he’s come in and hit the ground running.

“He’s another option for us and overall we’re looking strong."

Maldon are top of the table courtesy of a superior goal difference.

However, Regent still have a game in hand, at home to Soham Town Rangers next Tuesday.