CHARLIE Allison admitted it was ‘surreal’ to be at the heart of Essex’s enthralling three run win against Middlesex in the Metro Bank One Day tonight.

The 18-year-old hit an impressive 70 before his fine fielding helped to secure the match winning run-out.

And the youngster insisted it was a match that would live long in his memory.

“It was a great game for me in what is only the fourth match of my List A career,” said Allison.

“To score a half-century and then execute the run out which won us the match was pretty surreal to be honest.”

Allison’s well-constructed innings helped Essex finish their 50 overs on 298/9 before Middlesex fell dramatically just short in reply.

The visitors looked certain to triumph when they reached 236/3 with 15 overs left to play.

But Essex were still able to bag their first victory of this season’s competition, with Allison taking centre stage again right at the death as he dived to save a boundary before his accurate throw led to Ethan Bamber being run-out.

However, it took Allison time to realise what had happened.

“I didn’t actually realise that I’d run him out,” said Allison.

“I just picked the ball up and threw it in as hard as I could.

“Next thing I looked and saw the umpire had put his finger up and that was probably the best moment.

“I was right on the boundary and didn’t think I was going to get there and save the shot so I just dived full length for the ball.

"It’s certainly a game that I won’t forget.”

Essex opted to bat first at the County Ground and started brightly with Michael Pepper leading the way with some big hitting before being dismissed for 31.

Skipper Tom Westley replaced him at the crease and went on to top score with 80.

Allison scored his 70 runs from 65 balls while Will Buttleman added 32.

In reply, Middlesex seemed certain for victory for the majority of their innings.

Openers Mark Stoneman and Joe Cracknell put on 124 for the opening wicket before Cracknell was dismissed for 48.

Stoneman was out for 93 when the score was 201/3 but Essex fought back to bag what had seemed an unlikely success for much of the cup tie.

The wickets were shared with Aaron Beard (2/47), Jamie Porter (1/40), Aron Nijjar (1/44), Simon Harmer (1/56), Beau Webster (2/47) and Tom Westley (1/31) all playing a part.