Whitstable pay tribute to Beaten Bears - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS

Victorious Whitstable Town were quick to pay tribute to British Energy Kent County League side Bearsted after beating them to land the Kent Senior Trophy today, writes Stephen McCartney.

The only goal of an enthralling game in front of at least 800 fans at Dartford’s stunning £6.5m Princes Park Stadium, was scored by Marlon Button with 23 minutes remaining.

The former Herne Bay winger latched onto Michael Lane’s pass, burst past his marker before unleashing an angled left-footed screamer from eighteen-yards, that rocketed into the top far corner.

And the 30-year-old was quick to pay tribute to their opponents, who showed exactly how they defeated Kent League sides Slade Green and Sevenoaks Town on their way to the showpiece final.

“Credit to them, they battled away (and) they had a few chances themselves,” the match-winner said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk afterwards.

“Marc (Seager) said before the game that they’re going to be a good side, he’s watched them a couple of times (and) credit to them, they were a good side.

“They battled away and played some nice football.”

He added: “A lot of these lower league sides play kick and rush, not great football but credit to Bearsted they did play their football really well and at one stage it could have gone either way.

“Once we got the goal, it was a bit of a battle from there. We had a few other chances that we really should have tucked away but credit to them.”

Whitstable Town manager Marc Seager was “over the moon” as his men helped him win his first trophy.

“It’s my first trophy as a manager and for a lot of those players in there, it’s their first trophy so it’s good to get it out the way,” he said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

Seager warned everybody that Bearsted were going to impress during today’s game - and they certainly did that.

“I said that all along didn’t I?  He added:  " I said they were a very good side and that they’ll push us all the way, push us right to the limit and that’s exactly what they’ve done.”

And Seager was delighted that Button’s wonder-strike wrapped up the victory against a very good Bearsted side.

He said: “It’s great to see a cup final with a wonder goal like that instead of penalties or a dodgy referee decision or a shank.”

Proud Whitstable Town chairman, Mr Tony Rouse, was able to celebrate his 60^th birthday today with the Kent Senior Trophy coming back to The Belmont.

“Hopefully, the first of three, but I’ve got to pay complement to Bearsted because they really made us work for it,” he said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“They were absolutely superb today. I think that the only way we came out of it, Marlon scored a good goal, was that their fitness told a little bit towards the end.

“I think if their fitness levels were just a little bit more in the last twenty minutes or so, it would have been a little bit more competitive, but overall they were very, very worthy opponents today.”

Mr Rouse also paid tribute to the man that keeps their treble dream alive, Marlon Button.

“It was a fantastic strike!” he said. “A little bit of good work from Micky Lane and Marlon did what Marlon can do!

“He scores the exceptional goals, he’s done it before this season, absolutely first class!

“I was thrilled to bits that he got his goal - it was brilliant.”

Mr Rouse admitted Alex Hossick, standing in for suspended captain Marcos Perona, “is the man for the big occasions.”

And the central midfielder was delighted that he and Perona were both able to get their hands on the trophy.

And on their treble chances, Hossick insisted EXCLUSIVLEY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk  : “Well, there’s no could about it. We are going for two more trophies - the treble’s coming home!

“We’re definitely confident. We’ve had a bit of a slump recently but this is the big lift we needed.”

And Hossick believes the Bears would do well if they were promoted into the Kent League.

He explained: “They’ll definitely hold their own in the Kent League. It’s surprising they’re not in there.

“No disrespect to some of the teams in the Kent League, but Bearsted are a great local side.

“They played really well today but it’s just unfortunate for them they’re on the losing side.”

Visit Whitstable Town’s website: www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk