TUNBRIDGE Wells goalkeeper John Whitehouse became a world record holder after saving the 40th penalty in a remarkable shoot-out on Wednesday.

The Wells’ FA Cup Preliminary Round replay with Littlehampton finished 2-2 after extra-time and as 11pm approached and with the score at 16-15, Whitehouse saved from Grant Vanson to end an astonishing night.

When told of the record, he simply laughed: “You’re joking. I knew it must have been close because I’ve never seen it go round every player once, never mind twice."

Modesty prevailed when asked about his technique: "I’d be giving my secrets away! But you’ve always got half a chance, especially when you face 20 of them."

Manager Kevin Metcalf didn’t see Whitehouse’s decisive save because he was seeking refuge in the changing room to avoid the tension.