CONFERENCE SOUTH: Concord Rangers captain Tony Stokes says a new fitness regime has him playing some of his best football of the season.

The 28-year-old striker has been a key player for the Beach Boys since he joined in 2010 but has found this season trying at times, due to the form of the club’s other attackers.

But Stokes has hit form in recent weeks, scoring a fine free-kick against Dagenham & Redbridge last week before hitting a superb winner at Havant & Waterlooville on Tuesday after only 49 seconds.

That strike was Stokes’ ninth of the season and the former West Ham United youth team player says he feels fitter and healthier on the pitch thanks to his time in the gym.

“I have been working on strength and core stability,” he said. “I need to be at my peak to stay in contention so spending three nights down the gym has been good for me.

“I feel fresh and healthy and I am contributing on the pitch as well. I am in a good place at the moment.”

Stokes says his strike against third-placed Havant, which lifted Concord to ninth in the standings, was one of his best ever goals, which is some statement after netting his 100th for the club in August.

“It was a good goal,” he said of the strike which saw him pick the ball up on the halfway line, play the ball past the last defender before sprinting through and shooting low into the corner.

“I think I surprised myself as much as the lads with that burst of pace! We were going uphill as well but getting the win was great.”

The form of Steve Cawley (14 goals), Lewis Taaffe (nine goals) and Joe Gardner (seven goals) has meant Stokes has been used in rotation.

But he says the challenge is bringing out his best form.

“The last three or four seasons I have been playing every game, but I think this is probably the best squad we’ve ever had,” he said. “The other strikers have been playing so well so I have had to step up and the games I have started I have done well.”

Stokes has added responsibility at home as well these days, having become a dad in October 2013, when his son Chase was born.

And he says, despite fewer power naps, he is relishing every second of it.

“It is hard work but I love it,” he said.

“There is a lot to fit in but my missus and I manage it and we can’t wait to watch him grow up.”

Stokes could come up against former Premier League striker DJ Campbell when Concord visit 16th-placed Maidenhead United tomorrow, a challenge he is excited about.

A win could lift Concord to within three points of the play-off places.