Allerdale suffered penalty shoot-out agony in the quarter final of the National Schools FA Trophy.

Bidding to reach the semi-final stage for the first time in their history, Allerdale were seven minutes away from victory.

But visitors Wirral equalised with a deflected shot, which took the tie to extra-time and, with no further goals, it had to be settled from the penalty spot.

Unfortunately, only Ben McGregor could find the net for the west Cumbrians, as they had three misses and Wirral were relieved to go through 3-1 from the shoot-out.

It was tough luck on Allerdale who had played their part in a thoroughly entertaining game on the all-weather pitch at Netherhall School.

After an even start Wirral started to have the better of things and their outstanding player Danny Edwards thumped the inside of the post and couldn’t believe that it flew to safety and not into the net.

Their period of pressure was topped by the opening goal on 20 minutes. The lively George Nugent was tripped in the box and referee Graham Young, who controlled the game well throughout, immediately pointed to the spot. Luke Robinson beat keeper Aaron Carter to give Wirral the lead.

But the goal fired-up Allerdale and three minutes later they were level. A fine, flowing move turned defence into attack and McGregor beat keeper Sean Greathead with a thumping drive from 25 yards which flew into the top corner.

It was now Allerdale who dominated the rest of the half and they deservedly grabbed the lead two minutes before the break.

Some great footwork by George Frampton made space for himself and a lovely curling cross was headed past Greathead by McGregor.

Both teams had their moments in the second-half with Carter twice coming to Allerdale’s rescue with important, blocked saves while the tenacity of left-back Eli Demetriou and the strength and calmness of Tom Wilson were leading figures at the back.

Edwards, however, was a growing influence for Wirral in midfield and seven minutes from the end he grabbed the equaliser.

Into extra-time,10 minutes each way, and several of the players (all Under-15s) were starting to feel the pace, going down with cramp.

It was two exhausted sides who got to the end, after serving-up a Cup cracker, and for Wirral there was the joy of penalty shoot-out victory to put them through to a semi-final home tie with either Salford or Liverpool.

Allerdale had already experienced the other side of a penalty decider, having knocked-out Sunderland, the holders, in a previous round. Unfortunately this time round there was to be no repeat.