BASILDON Boys Club goalkeeper James Dudley was the hero as he saved two Lexden Saints' penalties in a dramatic conclusion to the Essex County FA Andrews Under 14s Cup at Wivenhoe Town's Broad Lane ground.
The shot-stopper dived to his left to save successive spot-kicks and in a thrilling penalty shoot-out after the score had stood 1-1 nafter extra-time.
"I have confidence in James because he loves penalties," said his manager Mick Jacobs.
"In fact, he told me before the game that he wanted the match to end with penalties, but I think I'd have preferred winning in normal time."
The teams could not be separated after 70 minutes of action and 20 minutes of extra time, although that should not detract from the excellent standard of football on show, especially in midfield.
Jacobs paid tribute to Lexden after seeing his side triumph at under-14 level having lost out in the Cordell under-13 Cup 12 months ago.
Basildon took the lead on the stroke of half-time. Luke Winter, by some distance the shortest player on the pitch, battled into the box and, although Lewis Bailey's challenge averted his own shot, the loose ball fell to Terry Jacobs, who stroked into an unguarded net.
The lead lasted just nine minutes after the break before Edward Field replied.
"Now we have a Southend Junior League title to go for," Jacobs anticipated. "We also have a League Cup final at Roots Hall next month, so there is plenty of football to play for this season before we aim to participate in the Eastern Junior Alliance next year."
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