Coates covers Shortwood fledglings in treble glory (From Stroud News and Journal)

Coates covers Shortwood fledglings in treble glory

Gloucestershire County cup-final (At Tuffley Rovers) Gloucester City Under-18s 1 Shortwood United Under-18s 1 A.E.T (Shortwood win5-4 on pens)

SPOT-ON James Coates held his nerve to allow Shortwood to lift the Gloucestershire County Youth Cup for the first time in their history after a dramatic penalty shoot-out with Gloucester City on Saturday.

United, who had already won the league and cup banked the treble in somewhat controversial circumstances after Ben Newman and Luke Bennyworth's initial penalties were saved.

However, the City keeper was adjudged to have moved before both spot-kicks were taken.

City had opened confidently from the spot. Newman's reply was saved, but he was reprieved and smashed home his second opportunity.

City nosed ahead with their second kick, but Dan Price's calm strike brought the tie level.

Nonetheless, City edged ahead. However, United's Bennyworth saw his shot saved but yet again the keeper moved allowing Bennyworth to rifle home his and United's lifeline.

Nonetheless, City kept the pressure up with the fourth. United keeper Dan Blackwell was next up and confidently placed his strike home to level the tie at 4-4.

Drama ensued when Andy Varnham shot over leaving Coates the chance of glory and the young substitute duly obliged with a sweetly struck penalty to spark scenes of joy.

A delighted Shortwood Youth team boss Alan Harnden said: "We've had a fantastic season and this is a memorable way to finish it. Over the 120 minutes we deserved it.

"I would like to thank everyone connected at Shortwood and especially Kenton Postlethwaite, who has been brilliant for me and Shortwood."

Earlier, Harnden's side had taken the lead on the cusp of the interval after captain Dan Price rifled home from 30-yards. City, who beat Filton Academy to reach the final, boasted seven players that had tasted Southern Premier football this season.

The Tigers netted parity after the break. However, United thought they had won the match when James Singh bundled the ball over, only for a cruel off-side decision to curtail the victory celebrations.

Later, Price and Singh were frustrated by an outstanding double save. At the death Blackwell denied Varnham with a smart one-handed save.

Extra-time failed to separate the side's but United held their nerve.

Shortwood: Dan Blackwell, Ed Godsell, Anth Robinson, Liam Smith, Luke Bennyworth, Jake Davis, Dan Price, Luke Kavanagh, Matt Bennett, James Singh, Ben Newman.

Subs used: James Coates, Luke Collins.

Star player: Luke Bennyworth.

ANYONE who would like to join Shortwood Under-18s can call Kenton Postlethwaite on 01453 836078 or 07813320264.