ETHAN Evison was White Ensign’s unlikely goalkeeping hero in Saturday’s FA Vase success at Cornard United.

Evison – who usually plays in midfield for Essex Senior League side – took over in goal after Harry Fairs was red carded midway through the second half.

And the 23-year-old remarkably went on to save four of the seven penalties he faced in a penalty shoot-out.

“I had my normal kit on getting ready to come on when everything suddenly escalated and it ended with the red card,” said Evison.

“The manager just turned me and just asked if I fancied going in goal so I just said ‘OK, let’s do it.’

“Funnily enough we had joked about it in the warm up because I’m quite tall and agile  but we never expected it to actually happen.”

Ensign trailed Cornard 2-1 when Fairs was dismissed.

But a penalty from Joe Gregory meant the game ended 2-2 and went straight to the shoot-out, much to Evison’s surprise.

“I thought it was going to extra time so when the referee blew the whistle I just thought that’s OK, we’re on top here and can nick another goal in the next 30 minutes,” said Evison.

“But then the referee said right straight to penalties, get ready, which took me by surprise.”

And, it was at that point, Evison sought tips from Ensign’s number one keeper.

“I went to straight over to Harry and his old man and just asked for some advice on what to do,” said Evison.

“He said to leave it as late as I can, so I did.

“It ended up working and I saved four out of seven.”

Evison also scored one of Ensign’s penalties as they triumphed 4-3 to make it through to the next round.

And Evison felt his penalty taking experience also helped him in his new role.

“I was the penalty taker last season for Ensign so I’m quite accustomed to the process of taking one,” said Evison.

“You can look at body language and their eyes so I was assessing everything during their run up but it was gut instinct really.

“There was no pressure on me but it was great to win.”

And the victory also showed the togetherness of the Ensign squad.

“It shows the spirit we have,” said Evison.

“With 11 players or 10 players we all stick together.

“We’ve got a really close bond and I think you saw that in the celebrations.”

Ensign will now be eagerly anticipating their next opponents in the competition.

And Evison was relieved his stint in goal went far better than his previous appearance between the sticks.

“I last played in goal when I was about 10,” said Evison.

“I conceded a lot that day and cried so it was definitely a big improvement.”

But, despite his fine display, Evison will not be staying in goal during Fairs’ suspension.

“I did think I might actually have to go to Sports Direct to get some gloves but thankfully I saw on Twitter earlier we were advertising for a goalkeeper so I don’t think I’ll need to,” added Evison.