HEREFORDSHIRE Schools Under-16s won a dramatic penalty shoot-out against Humberside to win the Midlands Counties Schools Football Federation Cup.

George Tindale made a couple of fine saves for Herefordshire in the early stages before Humberside took the lead after 31 minutes before doubling their lead three minutes before half-time.

But after a good team talk by managers Colin Preece and Liam Brewer, the Herefordshire side started to come more in to the game.

After 57 minutes, a good passing move was finished well by Kingstone's Greg Preece to pull a goal back for Herefordshire.

Bishop's School pair Wilf Munn and Ollie Smith then came on and had a positive impact on the game and, after 71 minutes, James Hancocks, also of Bishop's, shot through a mass of players to make it 2-2. There was no extra-time, so the game went straight to penalties.

Last year, as under-15s, Herefordshire lost on penalties to Aldershot & Farnborough in the semi-finals of the ESFA PlayStation Trophy.

But, there was to be no repeat of last year's disappointment.

In the compulsory best of five penalties the score was 4-4 and Humberside went ahead with their first penalty in the sudden death phase.

Wigmore's George Davies levelled before Humberside scored again.

Fred Newton calmly replied for Herefordshire and Tindale then saved Humberside's next spot-kick.

It was left to Dan Pugh, of Earl Mortimer, to smash home the winning penalty and ensure it would be Herefordshire's name on the trophy.