Hythe (red) were forced to defend in numbers on Tuesday Pic: Peter Still

Hythe Town pulled off a shock on Tuesday night after beating Dartford at Princes Park to clinch the Kent Senior Cup.

Town captain Dave Cook scored the solitary goal, from the penalty spot, to clinch the cup for the first time in the club’s history.

Dartford, playing on their on ground and chasing a place in the Blue Square Bet Premier, were unable to get past a resilient Ryman League, Division 1 South side.

The hosts were left ruing a missed penalty, which was awarded moments after Cook had netted for Hythe on seven minutes, with Adam Green’s spot-kick saved by keeper Dean Ruddy.

Hythe had beaten Dover and Ebbsfleet in previous rounds and were underdogs again in the final. Dartford boss Tony Burman had named a strong team for the match but they were left frustrated by Scott Porter’s Hythe.

After the penalty dramas in the opening stages Hythe came close to extending their lead as Ronnie Dolan’s shot bounced off the crossbar.

Dartford pressed until the break and had the ball in the net but Jack Pallen’s effort was ruled out for off-side.

The hosts laid siege to Hythe’s goal in the second half but Ruddy turned in a great performance, stopping them on numerous occasions, to help Hythe to a memorable win. A low stop from Lee Noble at the death was the pick of Ruddy’s saves.