Croydon Athletic missed the chance to lift the London Senior Cup for the first time after they were beaten 3-1 on penalties by Hendon.

The game finished 2-2 after 120 minutes before Sam Clayton, Shabazz Baidoo and Robbie Ryan all had efforts saved by William Viner, while Hendon scored all three of their spot kicks to take the trophy.

The Rams had looked to be heading for defeat in extra time when Glenn Garner’s drilled shot put the Ryman Premier side ahead in the 95th minute but eight minutes before the end defender Richard Blackwell nodded Croydon level.

After a poor first half with few chances, the game exploded into life after the break as first Ben Godfrey side-footed over from six yards.

James Bent then hit the post down the other end before Clayton latched on to Ian Selley’s miscued effort to volley past Viner.

Michael Gordon could have put the game beyond Hendon but could only flick wide after rounding Viner.

Seconds after Selley cleared off the line from Sam Collins, Hendon drew level.

Bent found space on the edge of the area and was able to curl the ball beyond Ross Flitney.

Both teams almost won it in normal time but Flitney denied Garner and Viner pushed Danny Waldren’s free kick around the post.

After Garner put Hendon ahead, Viner again denied Waldren before Blackwell took advantage of hesitant defending to bring about penalties.