Whitstable Town 2 Punjab United 0 match report: Goals from Bradley Schafer and substitute Dean Grant complete Oystermen’s double as the league champions secure Kent Senior Trophy at Maidstone United

Whitstable completed the double, beating Punjab United in the Kent Senior Trophy Final at Maidstone United on Sunday.

The Southern Counties East League Premier Division champions, who had lost 3-2 to Larkfield & New Hythe in last year’s showpiece, held a half-time advantage as midfielder Bradley Schafer put them into the lead on 11 minutes.

Substitute Dean Grant made an instant impact with a game-clinching second as it ended 2-0 to Whitstable on a warm day at the Gallagher Stadium.

Punjab had made the first chance when Stephen Ratcliff sent a seventh-minute long throw by fellow defender Jordan Campbell harmlessly wide of Daniel Colmer’s right-hand post.

Three minutes later, Harry Ottaway also narrowly missed the target as the veteran striker attempted to score for the fourth game in succession.

But the Oystermen broke the deadlock with their first clear-cut opportunity.

Malachai Belboda cut off the right flank and, although his effort was charged down, the ball fell kindly to Schafer. He fired beyond keeper Mitchell Beeney for his 21st goal this season despite offside appeals.

It should then have been 2-0 but Joe Healy ran the ball out of play, as he tried to round Beeney, after good work by top scorer Javaun Splatt on 16 minutes. Schafer also curled wide of 30-year-old Beeney’s left-hand post.

Colmer, 24, had to remain alert to punch clear a dangerous free-kick from Chris Edwards as the Gravesend club looked for a route back into the contest.

Former Tonbridge and Dorking man Ottaway had a gilt-edged chance for Punjab with 39 minutes played, only to send his shot over.

There was a major blow for Jamie Coyle’s Oystermen in first-half injury time when midfielder Mikey Dalton hobbled off and was replaced by Connor Wilkins.