MANAGERS may often like to lead by example, but former Southend United midfielder Mark Bentley took that to another level in Grays Athletic’s 3-2 win at Hampton and Richmond.

Bentley brought himself off the bench just past the hour mark with his team trailing 2-1 in the Ryman Premier League encounter.

And, shortly after his introduction, he headed Grays back level from a well worked corner.

However, Bentley was not finished there and after goalkeeper Connor Gough was sent off, he went between the sticks and saved a penalty from Ben Osman before Joao Carlos grabbed a last minute winner to complete a remarkable Roy of the Rovers style turnaround.

“It was nice to actually be on the right side of something like that happening for a change,” said Bentley, who made 107 appearances during his successful spell with the Shrimpers.

“When I was at Gillingham we threw away a three goal lead and a 4-1 lead but what happened the other night is certainly something that doesn’t happen very often.

“It’s probably only once every six or seven years but I’m just glad we were able to win the game, especially after we were so poor in the second half.”

Bentley dived low to his left hand-side to keep out the spot-kick from Osman, who is the son of former Ipswich Town and Southampton star Russell.

But it is not the first time he has been forced to go in goal.

And he could easily have had to have done the same thing during his spell with Southend.

“Everyone remembers Tes Bramble going in goal against Boston but if I hadn’t have been suspended then it would’ve been me,” said Bentley.

“I went in goal for Aldershot once and also for Dagenham so when Bart Griemink was injured and Darryl Flahavan was our only keeper, Steve Tilson told me he might need me to play in goal.

“The players were doing shooting practise at me and I even played the second half of a reserve game in goal.

“I think I let in about four or five that day so it was a huge relief that things went a bit better this time.

“Before going in goal I did ask if anyone else fancied it but they all walked in the opposite direction so there was only really one option.

“But it was certainly a night to remember and we had some great celebrations at the end of the game.”

Bentley’s heroics have since earned nationwide recognition.

And he is delighted to have helped Grays receive more recognition.

“The publicity it’s got and the number of messages I’ve received has been mad but it’s great for the club to get the publicity,” said the 37-year-old.

“Four or five years ago Grays was a very big non league club and we’re all working very hard to try and get back to that level.”