Ashford United striker Gary Lockyer presented with top goalscorer award before FA Cup final between Crystal Palace and Man City at Wembley

Ashford United striker Gary Lockyer was at Wembley on FA Cup final day to receive the award for finishing top goalscorer in this season’s competition.

Lockyer was presented with the Golden Ball before Crystal Palace shocked Manchester City 1-0 at the home of English football on Saturday afternoon.

He collected the prize from ex-Premier League striker Glenn Murray after topping the scoring charts with 10 goals during Ashford’s run to the third qualifying round.

His haul included four goals in one game as the Nuts & Bolts thrashed Three Bridges 6-1 in the first qualifying round.

Lockyer’s name was announced to the 85,000 crowd and he also placed the FA Cup final match ball on the podium before sitting pitchside as the likes of City superstars Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne emerged from the dressing room.

“It gave me goosebumps,” said Lockyer, 32.

“We play in front of 400 people, which is sometimes really good, and there I was walking out in front of 85,000.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better experience in terms of how I was looked after.

“You grow up watching the FA Cup and one day you think you could play in it.

“Sometimes it doesn’t work out and people have different journeys.

“Mine took me into non-league at 16, I’m 32 now, and you never think you might become the top scorer in the whole competition, which is the oldest and the most magical in the country.”

Lockyer was invited to Wembley last Thursday for publicity pictures and a round of interviews.

He returned on Saturday morning for his big day, touring the dressing rooms on arrival and making his way pitchside.

Wayne Rooney, his Manchester United idol, was the first famous face Lockyer spotted, followed by the likes of ex-Palace boss Frank de Boer and former