Whitstable Town manager Jamie Coyle pays tribute to under-23 player Nico Grierson after his late winner in the FA Vase

Jamie Coyle says Whitstable FA Vase hero Nico Grierson will remember his late winner for the rest of his career.

Substitute Grierson scored a top-corner stunner with four minutes remaining as Town came from a goal down to beat Jersey Bulls 2-1 in Saturday’s rearranged third-round tie.

A product of the club’s under-23 set-up, he’d only been on the pitch a matter of minutes when he sent the Belmont into raptures.

It completed a stirring comeback as Whitstable struck twice in the final six minutes to reach the last 32 for the first time in 28 years.

They trailed to an early Francis Lekimamati goal with Josh Oliver levelling from the penalty spot before Grierson’s big moment.

“Everyone around the place was so pleased to see a kid come through the 23s to then score an absolute screamer for the winner,” said boss Coyle. “The whole place erupted.

“He’s trained with us for the last six or seven weeks and he’s been brilliant. He’s really stood out.

“He’s strong, he’s big for his age and he seems like he’s got a real experienced head on young shoulders.

“It’s testament to him to come on in a big game like that, with a big crowd, and score a goal like that.

“He could have had two goals. He went through one-on-one shortly after he scored the winner.

“He’s great and the club are really pleased because the remit was to make sure we utilise the youth within the club and we’ve most definitely done that so far this season.”

With Coyle playing, Grierson was sent on by assistant boss Matt Longhurst in the 79th minute.

He wasted no time making an impact.

“When he ran on, I just said to him to enjoy it and play with a smile on your face.

“He’s earned the right to be among the first team with the way he’s trained and played for the 23s.

“Just