Frank Wilson believes Tooting & Mitcham United’s desire was crucial as they beat Hendon 2-0 to win the London Senior Cup last night.

In a repeat meeting of last year’s final, the Terrors took the lead on 64 minutes when Matt Price set-up Jake Baxter to fire home.

In-form forward Baxter then converted a penalty to ensure Tooting lifted the Cup at the expense of Isthmian Premier Division side Hendon.

Terrors boss Wilson said: “It’s a great achievement for the club, especially after what happened last year in the final.

“It meant a lot to the fans. We’ve had huge support this year so to repay them with this is brilliant.

“It was tight for long spells and that made it more special to beat them. We were just maybe hungrier on the night.”

After wasting several openings in the goalless first half, Wilson admitted he wondered whether it would be his side’s night as Hendon looked to retain their crown.

He said: “There’s always a bit of anxiety in finals, especially when the score is level for a long time.

“In the first half we created some good chances and their goalkeeper was phenomenal.

“At one stage I turned to my staff and said ‘is it going to be our night?’ But we showed great desire and persistence in front of goal to get over the line.”

Baxter’s second-half brace continued his fine goalscoring form and took him to 27 goals across all competitions this year.

Wilson was full of praise for Baxter, who he says has naturally turned into a fans’ favourite at the club.

“Jake is a friend of mine and I’m delighted for him. He’s on a great run and deserves this because he’s worked hard from where he started,” the Tooting boss added.

“He’s a modest guy and just a brilliant player to work with.

“He’s got great support and has turned into a fan favourite. It’s been an incredible season for him.”

Despite the history between the two clubs – Hendon beat Tooting 3-2 in last year’s final – Wilson insists the win did not feel like revenge.

He added: “I know the manager and the staff well after serving there as a player.

“I wasn’t in charge last year so there was no sense of revenge for me. It was just a fantastic achievement to win the competition.

“We have nothing but respect for Hendon. They are a very good side but I think my players rose to the occasion.

“The players and staff – my assistant manager Paul Dale and assistant first-team coach Ashley Bosah – have all been great and deserve a lot of credit.”