Scott Porter admitted Whitstable made life difficult for themselves in the Kent Senior Trophy final.

The Oystermen were second-best in the first half and trailed Sheppey United 1-0 at the break.

But a half-time rocket from the manager had the desired effect as Whitstable fought back with goals from Josh Burchell and Tom Brunt to lift their first piece of silverware since Porter came to the club in 2016.

"I'm immensely proud," said Porter. "But it was a hard slog. We did it the hard way.

"My boys just don't give up, simple as that.

"It's a proud moment to win my first trophy at Whitstable. I was brought here to do that and I said I'd produce it.

"In the first half we were not at it at all. I said to the boys 'don't let the (3G) pitch affect how we play' because everyone knows we're direct.

"But we took too many touches and gave them too much time. I was happy to come in 1-0 down.

"I don't think their goal (a penalty) was a foul and I thought we (should have) had a penalty so decisions didn't go our way.

"I had a big rare-up at half-time and it obviously worked. The goal sparked us at the right time and it was a great goal from Burchy.

"We kept to our game plan in the end and it worked. We hit the balls in the channels and created chances."

Centre-forward Shaun Welford came off nine minutes into the second half with Porter sending on Danny Williams in his place.

"Danny was unlucky not to start because Shaun's been good. But we didn't play to our strengths in the first half and it showed.

"Danny's running makes a difference. We stretch teams, the same as Ricky (Freeman) did, they don't give up and we had the better chances after that."

Porter's celebrations at the final whistle spoke volumes as he embraced his coaching staff and players before punching the air in front of Whitstable's noisy travelling supporters at the Town End of Maidstone's Gallagher Stadium.

Asked if the win meant a lot to him Porter said: "It did because I've done it with Hythe.

"Decisions went against us and we didn't get the rub of the green but my family and friends were here and they were big celebrations because I think the club deserves it.

"Joe Brownett, the chairman, has come back into the frame and turned it around. He's backed me and the players and you don't want to get to a final and not win. There were a lot of emotions going around but that's because your heart's in it."