Goalkeeper Dean Warford was the hero as underdogs Sheppey United won the Kent Senior Trophy beating Ashford United 7-6 on penalties at the Gallagher Stadium.

Warford saved four spot-kicks, from Tom Fagg, Pat Kingwell, George Savage, and Luke Cuthbert as the Kent Invicta League side, triumphed over their Southern Counties East League opponents in the 20-kick shoot-out.

Andy Constable, Tom Wooldridge and Rob Saunders missed for Sheppey.

Ian Batten, son of manager Ernie, lifted the trophy, with Darren Marsden named man-of-the-match against one of his former clubs.

The meeting between the two clubs, third in their respective leagues, was a close, tight affair throughout.

Ashford top scorer Shaun Welford missed a great chance to break the deadlock midway through the second half, but lashed at the chance after Warford miscued his attempted clearance.

He was earlier denied by a timely challenge from former Ashford Town defender John Ralph, before Sheppey went close when Ben O'Neill's cross just eluded David Abe.

Abe again went close again, seeing his effort blocked by Ashford keeper George Kamurasi.

He then pushed away a free-kick under pressure from Abe and Constable, and Marsden shot wide.

Abe and Adam Williams both had shots blocked as Sheppey had one of their best spells in the game.

Abe was lucky not to pick-up a yellow card for a late challenge on Ashford skipper Micky Phillips within seconds of the start.

Ryan Palmer thudded a right foot effort against the Sheppey post after seven minutes, before Abe missed the best chance of the first half at the midway point.

Full back Okandulaiya picked out O'Neill whose low cross was touched wide from six yards.

Abe was then denied by Ashford keeper George Kamarusi who blocked his effort low down, and then raced to the edge of the area to head clear as Sheppey pressed again.

Welford went close with two headers, while Paul Booth was caught offside as he looked shaped to shoot.

Ashford United: Kamurasi, Savage, Dickens, L.Cuthbert, Davisson, Kingwell, Palmer, Phillips (capt) (Saunders 58mins), Welford, Booth, Hassan (Fagg 74mins).

Subs: Woolley, Cook, Dalton.

Sheppey United: Warford, Okandulaiya, Fornah, R. Saunders, Ralph, Huggins, Marsden, Williams (Constable 83mins), Abe, I.Batten (capt), O'Neill (Wooldridge 72mins).

Subs: G.Batten, Harrold, Thompson,

Attendance: 870