Reaction from the managers after Maidstone United beat Folkestone Invicta on penalties in Kent Senior Cup final

By: Craig Tucker ctucker@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 08:12, 25 April 2018

Jay Saunders was confident Maidstone would deliver once the Kent Senior Cup final went to penalties.

Blair Turgott, Jai Reason, Reece Prestedge and Michael Phillips gave Folkestone keeper Tim Roberts no chance as United won 4-2 on spot-kicks following a goalless draw at the Gallagher Stadium.

Stones boss Saunders was relaxed going into the shoot-out which was their first since beating Ebbsfleet in the National South play-off final two years ago.

Joe Anderson, Seth Nana Twumasi, Blair Turgott and Alex Wynter celebrate Maidstone's victory Picture: Andy Payton

He said: "I suppose because we've had that experience in the Conference South I felt quite relaxed really but they were good penalties.

"The boys who took them were all keen, although the fourth and fifth were a bit up for grabs.

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"They were all confident and dispatched their penalties well."

It was the first time Maidstone have lifted the trophy since 1990, although Saunders wasn't too chuffed with the display.

He said: "I'm not overly happy with the performance.

Maidstone United manager Jay Saunders with the Kent Senior Cup Picture: Andy Payton

"I thought first half there were some good spells and we maybe could have gone in two or three up.

"Second half, Folkestone were the better side and we couldn't get a foothold in the game, didn't create much and overall it was a bit disappointing for me but it's always nice to win a trophy."

Sam Hasler hit the bar and Kieron McCann fired over as Folkestone were edged on spot-kicks.

Invicta boss Neil Cugley said: "I'd never moan about anybody missing a penalty because I was the worst penalty-taker in the world.

Disappointment for Sam Hasler after missing from the spot Picture: Andy Payton

"Hasler and McCann were both excellent during the game so I can't moan at them and we've won two shoot-outs on the way here. You can't win them all.

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"It's been good fun. I thought it was a nice game and a good crowd and for a 0-0 it was a good-quality game."

Cugley felt Maidstone were the better side but had a feeling his Bostik Premier promotion challengers might have pinched it as the second half wore on.

Folkestone manager Neil Cugley on the touchline at the Gallagher Stadium Picture: Andy Payton

He said: "First half they were very sharp and caused us problems and the goalie Tim was excellent.

"But as it went on second half I actually thought we going to sneak it, I just thought it was one of those games when the home team missed a few chances and we were starting to get self-belief we could just nick it.

"I'm not saying we were the better side because obviously they were the better side, but I think we showed good character to keep in the game."

Read the match report from Maidstone's penalty shoot-out win over Folkestone