MATTHEW Price’s promotion winning Panenka penalty had long been in the planning at Canvey Island.

The striker exquisitely chipped home the decisive spot-kick in the shoot-out against Brentwood Town to send the Gulls in to the Isthmian Premier Division.

But the style of penalty was not a spur of the moment decision for Price.

“We’d actually spoken about it all season and that if we got to a penalty shoot-out whenever it comes to the one to win the keeper has to dive,” said Price.

“They are never going to just stand still, they’re always going to take that gamble and dive one way.

“I knew their keeper would dive so I just went for the Panenka down the middle and it was something I’d planned for a long time.”

And Price also sought the permission of manager Brad Wellmen before taking the penalty in that manner.

“Credit has to go to Brad too because I asked him first,” said Price.

“I said if I do it and miss I’ll look an idiot but the world carries on.

“Brad was fully supportive and said if that’s what you want to do then do it so I did.”

Price’s penalty has now been watched more than 14,000 times online with many comparing his effort to one Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema scored against Manchester City in the Champions League earlier this week.

But Price was in no way influenced by the Frenchman’s strike “I’m a Man City fan but we were playing on the night of the game so I didn’t see it,” said Price.

“With everything that’s been going on I haven’t had time to even look at it yet but I think I’ll have to now.”

Price also scored in normal time to cancel out an early effort from Brentwood striker Tom Richardson.

And Price was pleased to celebrate his equalising effort in front of his former side’s supporters.

“We lost to them 2-0 at their place earlier on in the season and after the game I went into the bar and their fans were still giving me jip,” said Price.

“They started singing ‘Pricey, what’s the score?’ so I just left the bar because I didn’t want to be dealing with that after losing.

“I remembered that though and they started singing it again on Friday when we were 1-0 down so when I scored it was a nice moment and I just thought well you can have a little bit back now.”

Price’s goal ensured the game ended 1-1 before the Gulls went on to win 4-1 on penalties.

But Price feels promotion was only possible due to the efforts of the whole team.

“The plaudits have come my way for scoring the penalty and for Evs (Evans Kouassi) after we scored 64 goals between us this year but it’s the whole team,” said Price.

“A lot of the credit has to go to the back four.

“Mason Hall was superb on Tuesday in the semi-final and man of the match.

“Rob Girdlestone on Friday was unplayable and Odei Martin at right-back was incredible too.

“Bobby Mason has made some incredible saves too so it really has been a team effort.”

And the supporters have also played a big part, with a crowd of 2,532 in attendance on Friday night.

“It was an incredible atmosphere,” said Price.

“You could hear it from just inside the tunnel and they’ve been the 12th man for us all year.

“They sing loud and proud and it was nice to pay them back for their efforts.

“The club deserves to be at a higher level and this is the minimum they deserve to be given their history.”