Burradon Juniors U17 defied the odds on Tuesday night and beat Cramlington Juniors U17 on penalties to lift the Global Image Embroidery Sunday Junior Cup for 2018.

A first-half goal by Dan Stephenson put the boys in blue ahead, but in the last kick of the game an own goal forced extra time and penalties in a highly contested final.

Brad Skirpan then capped off his excellent performance between the sticks and saved two penalties, before smashing home the winner in the shootout for Burradon.

"It's a good feeling, especially to get one over my old team Cramlington," said the opening goal scorer, Dan Stephenson.

"I was nervous when the penalties were being taken, but afterwards I was just overwhelmed with excitement.

"I definitely think the better team won, we didn't deserve to not win it in 90 minutes but we got the job done in the end."

As well as competing in two County Cup finals this season, the winger is a familiar figure at Whitley Park, having played for the Northumberland FA U18 side throughout the season.

"I'm used to the pitch and compared to others in the league it's a lot less bobbly so it's better for me," added the former Sunderland academy player.

Stephenson will now set his sights on promotion with Burradon Juniors as well as his Saturday club Killingworth Y.P.C - with both teams coming to the end of the regular season.

Article by Dan Simmonite