Kevin Ellison says he wants to continue proving people wrong after the evergreen forward netted the winner in Newport County AFC's opening day victory against Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park.
The 42-year-old replaced Lewis Collins in the 70th minute as Michael Flynn’s side looked to break the deadlock in a tight affair in Greater Manchester.
A stunning cross from Ryan Haynes found the head of Ellison, whose flicked header floated over Danny Rogers for an 89th-minute winner in front of the travelling County supporters.
"I can’t remember whether I’ve ever scored on the opening day, probably because I’m too old!" said Ellison.
"People see that I’m 42-years-old and think I’m finished but I’ve proved them wrong for years and I’ll continue to do it. I haven’t got anything to prove to anyone, just myself, so those who want to judge me then they can.
“It’s the classic ‘old man scores again’ but the main thing is that the three points are in the bag. Hopefully I can add a few more goals this season but winning the game is the most important thing."
Ellison has revelled in his role as a pantomime villain over the course of his career, particularly when he came up against the Exiles during his time with Morecambe.
But he has become a fans' favourite in south Wales since making the move to Rodney Parade last summer.
And, while the evergreen forward had to settle for playing in front of empty stadiums last season, he says the return of supporters for the 2021/22 campaign means he will return to his former ways of thriving off the crowd.
"With the crowds back in creating an atmosphere, it added that extra bit of tension," he added.
"I enjoy having banter with the crowd, a few of them were giving me a bit of stick when I was warming up but that’s football and that’s what I love about it.
"If you ask any footballer [about playing without fans] they’ll tell you it’s not the same, so it’s great to finally have them back and to score the winner in front of them too."