James Wilson proud of Port Vale promotion - and career best season | OneFootball

Former Manchester United and Brighton striker James Wilson is full of pride after firing Port Vale to promotion to League One.

In the playoff final victory over Mansfield, He added his name to the scoresheet in the 24th minute, heading in from close range to double the Valiants' advantage in the first period.

The Vale forward's technique was simple: close your eyes and think of the back of the net.

“I just saw it ricochet off the bar, then I thought to myself, 'this is my moment', so I threw my head at, closed my eyes a bit and saw it ripple the net, and that was that," he explained.

“This is why we play football; this is what it's for and this is why I'm here."

Darrell Clarke's side ran out 3-0 winners over Mansfield Town under the arch to achieve promotion.

“It was tough," he noted. “There wasn't a lot left in the tank after the 120 minutes at Swindon in the Semi-Final but it's all definitely worth it. We were disappointed with the performances in the run-in because we didn't get automatics, but what a way to do it.

“My friends and family have seen me win at Wembley and get Man of the Match, and it's just fantastic. It's my first one on the TV with my first trophy as well. It will be going straight in the cabinet with the winner's medal."

The 26-year-old has hit new heights this season after making the switch to Staffordshire in the summer.

That goal made it 15 in all competitions for the 26-year-old, who finishes the term as the Valiants' leading marksman.

“I've got the bragging rights to the changing room this season," he smiled. “It's four in my last four now.

“I had some confidence going into the Play-Offs on the back of a goal but before that I hadn't scored for a while. I've been building and building on that. It's my highest goals tally and my highest appearance tally. I want to build on the goals and the appearances this season going forward into League One."