Whitstable Town striker Charlie Smith scored the match-winner as his side produced a major cup upset to beat Hendon 2-1 and book their place in the FA Carlsberg Trophy Second round.
Hendon looked to be heading through after Jefferson Louis had fired them into the lead midway through the second half, but the Kent-based side showed all their fighting qualities as they hit back with goals from Laurence Harvey and the late winner from Smith.
Hendon came into the match brimming with confidence having lost just one game out of the previous eight.
But Whitstable were also enjoying a good run of form having lost just once in their last ten games which included the FA Trophy win at Carshalton Athletic, and a Kent Senior Cup win over Maidstone United.
And the good run of form seemed to inspire Nicky Southall’s side as they managed to come away with another impressive victory.
It was difficult to separate the two teams but the deadlock was finally broken on 69 minutes when Louis put Hendon into the lead.
But the lead did not last long as Whitstable hit back just two minutes later when Harvey netted an equaliser.
The Whitstable defender spends his time away from football as a tennis coach but he showed his versatility once again by getting his name on the scoresheet.
The game looked to be heading for a draw until Smith showed his quality in front of goal once again and netted the winner on 75 minutes.
