Penrith hold nerve in penalty shoot-out drama
Last updated 11:42, Thursday, 17 July 2008
PENRITH AFC Ladies A team lifted the renowned Cheshire 7s title in dramatic fashion as the final went all the way to sudden death penalties before Bee Marriott sealed a momentous victory.
Penrith faced Macclesfield Town in a very tense final. Players played out a superbly competitive game which saw them almost run themselves to a stand still after 12 previous games in baking temperatures over the two days of the tournament. With the game goalless at full time two further periods of extra time still failed to break the deadlock.
The final would therefore be decided on a penalty shoot out. Nerves were jangling as both teams failed to score with their opening penalties.
The teams could not be separated as they each scored their next four penalties taking the shoot out to sudden death. Penrith keeper Flick Shaw drew first blood with a superb save which left Bee Marriot with the opportunity to clinch victory. She calmly stepped up and cooly slotted the penalty kick into the net to seal a famous victory.
Penrith team manager Simon Savage said I am thrilled!! Winning this renowned tournament is a remarkable achievement for a small town club like Penrith and it will really put the Ladies on the football map.
Penrith AFC Ladies took two teams to the tournament and the B team also made it to the last 16 of the tournament before being knocked out on a penalty shoot out.
Penrith A team produced a remarkable series of results over the two days of the tournament to reach the final. They played a total of 13 matches and only lost a single match early in the group stages of the tournament. Into the second day of the tournament at the business end of things, Penrith played eight matches winning seven and without conceding a single goal. Penrith reached the final in dramatic fashion with penalty shoot out victories in the quarter and semi finals against Wigan Athletic and Bolton respectively.
The final victory over Macclesfield Town sees Penrith AFC Ladies claim their piece of silverware in the eight years since they were formed. Managers Savage said It has been a long time coming but it was worth the wait.
