Khano Smith ran 70 yards before firing home the game's only goal to give the New England Revolution victory over Real Salt Lake on Saturday and help set a new club points record.

The Bermudian striker, surprisingly left out of the starting line-up, had only been on the field for three minutes when he picked up the ball deep inside his own half before racing down the field, beating his man and rifling past the Salt Lake 'keeper in the 76th minute to give his side victory in front of nearly 18,000 fans.

The Revolution, who remain atop the Eastern Conference standings, now have a club record 48 points this season and seem certain to claim a play-off spot after notching up 14 wins and five draws so far this summer.

It was a sweet night for Smith, who failed to make the starting eleven despite a number of international call-ups and who seems to have made scoring spectacular goals a habit after smashing home a drive into the top corner last time the Revs played Salt Lake.

"I like to run at people, and it felt good to open up my legs and take on a defender," said Smith after the third goal of his rookie season in New England.

"I was just trying to get the shot to the far post because I knew the goalkeeper was going to cheat and I knew I had to get it by him."

The former Dandy Town player drew praise from management and team-mates for his performance.

"I am just happy with a win. I don't think we played very well. It wasn't a good game from either team. But Khano Smith was impressive tonight, he came into the game and three minutes later he scored the game-winner," said coach Steve Nicol, who picked up the player from Town following a pre-season tour in Bermuda earlier this year.

And skipper Shalrie Joseph added: "He's been working in practice all week and he got his chance to come in and he did well.

"Pat (Noonan) played him a good ball and he has long legs and a good stride so he was able to take it down the line and was able to finish it all by himself. It was a great finish."

The Revolution, who are six points clear with a game in hand in their division, are at home to Columbus Crew this Saturday.

Meanwhile, in England, Shaun Goater hit the bar with a superb header as Southend moved into the top ten in League One with a 2-1 victory over Oldham.

Goals came from teenage trainee Mark Lawson, who was full of praise for strike partner Goater for shepherding him through his first pro game, and Mark Gower as the Shrimpers moved into eighth place in the division.

"Shaun was so good to me today. He was always talking to me and helping me out ? never having a go ? and I've learnt so much off him already and it was good to play alongside him," said Lawson.

Southend visit Swindon Town on Saturday.