Kent Junior C Cup final: Ham Hill Athletic 0 Grand Sports Club 0 aet - Grand Sports win 4-3 on pens

Goalkeeper Mark Henderson justified his manager’s faith after leading Grand Sports Club to penalty shoot-out glory in the Kent Junior C Cup final.

With spot-kicks looming after a goalless 120 minutes, Sports boss Chris Cooke was ready to substitute Henderson in favour of a taller player, just as opponents Ham Hill Athletic had done moments earlier.

He decided to stick with Henderson, however, and saw his No.1 save three penalties as Sports won the shoot-out 4-3 to complete a league and cup double at the Gallagher Stadium on Saturday.

“We did discuss taking him out for penalties because he’s quite small,” said Cooke, whose side also pipped Ham Hill to the Rochester & District League Division 3 title this season.

“Our right-back is really good in goal at penalties so we did umm and aah about making the change.

“But I could see him focusing and I thought, ‘No, let’s leave him’ and he saved three penalties and he was over there crying just now. He’s so happy.

“Everyone else wanted to take him off but I said, ‘No, leave it, I’m sure he’ll do us proud’ and he definitely did.

“It’s been an unbelievable season. There was no pressure on the guys today.

“We won the league a couple of weeks ago so this was a bonus game.

“Credit to Ham Hill, they’re a great side. That’s three games we’ve had with them this season and there’s not been a winner in normal time.

“It was always going to be tough but I’m super proud of the boys. I knew they could do it if they applied themselves.

“It’s brilliant, I’m so happy for the club, that’s the double.

“We’ve not been going that long. It started as people turning up for a kickabout seven years ago and it’s spiralled, and we’ve won the double. It’s crazy.”

The finishing didn’t match the commitment on