Stag Harry proves a lucky - and unusual - mascot for Bognor

Ordinarily the role is undertaken by soccer-mad Rocks fans from the town who are thrilled to meet their Nyewood Lane heroes and to get the chance to soak up the big match atmosphere.

But it was carpenter Harry who had the honour before the home side's thrilling 4-3 win over their Isthmian Premier counterparts from Kent, as part of his stag-do celebrations.

Harry was living it up at nearby Butlins at an Ibiza weekender musical event and his pals arranged for him to don the full Rocks kit and lead out the home outfit in front of almost 500 onlookers.

Harry, who had trials with Gillingham as a teenager, is set to marry sweetheart Laura in May on the Isle of Sheppey but his matrimonial goal took a back seat as he enjoyed the buzz of being the club's oldest mascot.

He said: "It was a great day, a great game and the club looked after me very well. I will never forget the experience -- and neither will any of the stag party who came along either! It's one for the scrap book."

Rocks supporters club chairman Ian Guppy, who helped make the whole thing possible, said the club were happy to donate a kit to Harry fort the occasion. He added: "As a club we were delighted to be able to help. It's a great bit of fun and went down very well. And what a game to be a mascot! We were 3-1 down and won with a last-minute goal!"

Club sponsor and season ticket-holder Kevin Welling said he thought Bognor were starting the game with 12 players, adding: “Normally you see a nipper come out with the team but when we saw this fully-grown man lead out the players it was a bit confusing. All was revealed in the end and I think it was fantastic."