Filming fan thanked for footage that went viral

Grays Athletic's stunned officials are hailing film-making fan Kevin James for helping the Ryman Premier club make headlines around the world and turn player-manager Mark Bentley into an overnight internet sensation.

The supporter filmed Bentley's stunning goal and subsequent penalty save in last week's 3-2 win over Hampton & Richmond Borough and after posting the footage on Youtube, his exploits went viral on social media with more than 20,000 views within hours.

Bentley, pictured, brought himself on a substitute last Wednesday night's top flight clash to score a 72nd minute equaliser before going in goal after an injury to his keeper. He then saved a penalty to keep the sides level at 2-2 and set up Joao Carlos to net a last winner for the Blues.

The story was soon picked by national newspapers and their websites in this country and abroad including in the United States where millions saw Bentley's tactical nous and skills all over the pitch on national broadcaster NBC.

After making headlines in The Daily Telgraph and The Mirror and one website even asking whether Bentley could be a candidate for the best manager of all time, the 37-year-old former Southend, Gillingham and Dagenham & Redbridge midfielder took to the airwaves on Saturday night to talk about his performance and new found fame on BBC 5 Live's Non-League Show.

A club spokesman said: "The club would like to thank Kevin for posting the film online as this is a great story for the club."

To view the original footage visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykhnEi8L5LQ&feature=youtu.be.

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