Arthur Lee took on the captain’s armband for the first time as Tonbridge won promotion to National League South.

Lee produced an inspired performance at the heart of Angels’ defence when they won their super play-off final against Met Police on Saturday – and insisted he couldn’t let his missing team-mates down.

Vice-captain Sonny Miles was suspended, regular skipper Tom Parkinson is a long-term injury victim and Tom Beere damaged his ACL on the final day of the regular season.

“I’ve not been captain all season but with Sonny being out I had to step in,” said Lee, who let Miles and Parkinson collect the silverware from Isthmian League chairman Nick Robinson.

“Winning it was about doing it for the boys who couldn’t play, people like Sonny, Parky and Beero, who were out with injuries and suspension. It was about bringing it home for them.

“We’ve had a tight knit squad all season. We’re a good group of lads, who have stuck together.

“It means a hell of a lot. Winning last week, we should have gone up. It dragged on and it felt like the season was never-ending, we’ve trained twice this week and it has all paid off.

“It gives us a bigger platform to go and express their ability next season.”

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Lee scored Angels’ first equaliser, his free-kick taking a slight deflection off a Met Police defender before going in at the near post.

“I saw the wall, he gave me a gap with my left foot so I thought why not?” added Lee. “A bit of luck with the ricochet but I’ll take that.

“The boys were outstanding , everyone to a man.

“We knew we had what It takes. We hadn’t gone behind in the semi-final or the final but we went behind twice so we’re just delighted with the win.

“In the last five minutes, we had some tired legs but we dug in.”