CANVEY Island goalkeeper Bobby Mason saved an astonishing five penalties in the Gulls’ FA Cup success against Biggleswade - but was still not entirely satisfied.

Mason’s heroics helped Mark Bentley’s side win the second qualifying clash at Park Lane.

But the 30-year-old shot-stopper was initially disappointed not to have kept a clean sheet.

“I’d kept four or five clean sheets on the bounce and Saturday was the first time I had actually conceded so I was a bit disappointed,” said Mason, who is based in Rayleigh."

We also let slip a two goal lead to draw 2-2 but it went from feeling disappointed to a feeling of joy in the end after saving five to get us through. But I was also a bit frustrated I didn’t save six because I nearly kept out their first one too.”

Canvey also missed four spot-kicks of their own during a mammoth shoot-out which consisted of 16 penalties. The Islanders eventually triumphed 4-3 with Mason opting to study the body shape of the penalty takers before deciding which way to dive.

“Half the time I think you can tell from their body shape and whether or not they are opening their body shape or if they’ve got it in their locker to swing it back across you,” said Mason, who was keen to thank his sponsor Uptons Decor.

“As soon as I looked at them I already knew what way I was going to go and it’s certainly up there with my favourite ever days.”

Canvey will now take on Bedford Sports in the next round but Mason is not looking beyond tonight’s Isthmian North clash with Maldon & Tiptree.

“It’s always going to be a tough game against Maldon but you never know what they’re going to be like,” said Mason.

“Personally I don’t think they’re as good as they were last year. They’re still a good side but the way we’re playing at the moment we can’t be fearing any team and hopefully we will get the result.”