Inny Boys Under-13s won the Liverpool County FA Boys Cup final in thrilling fashion following a 2-2 draw against BRNESC FC, which was decided by a penalty shoot-out.

The Inny Boys were without their first choice goalkeeper for the match, but that didn’t stop them from claiming the hard-fought victory. Both teams scored in each half, but neither could find a winning goal.

After the match Inny’s manager, James Kelly, said: “We’re overjoyed and ecstatic. I think the lads worked so hard. We had some of the kids missing and no goalie, so I think they dug in and did well.”

In the end, Inny Boys sealed the win after putting four penalties past the BRNESC stopper, whilst BRNESC could only manage to convert three of their chances. Inny Boys’ replacement goalkeeper had a fantastic game and saved a crucial penalty in the shootout.

The match started off promisingly for Inny Boys as they dominated possession and by the 12th minute they had scored the first goal of the game. Number 12 struck from 20 yards out to put the visitors ahead.

They didn’t stay in front for long though, as just five minutes later BRNESC equalised. The goal was gifted to them as the Inny Boys’ goalkeeper came too far out to try and clear the ball to safety. The BRNESC player took advantage and rolled the ball long into an open net. 

As half-time came; neither team had been the more dominant, so it was all to play for in the next 35 minutes.

BRNESC started the second half perfectly. After just four minutes they were 2-1 ahead. They were awarded a free-kick on the right-hand side, 25 yards from goal, and Number 4 took it superbly to put the ball in the back of the net. 

For the time that followed BRNESC had the better of the possession and were starting to look confident. However, with just 10 minutes to go, Inny Boys got the equaliser they needed. 

Number 12 took a risk and crossed the ball in from the left and it went straight past the BRNESC goalkeeper.

The final whistle soon came and with it indicated a penalty shoot-out.

BRNESC’s Number 4 shot first and he was successful. Inny Boys’ Number 12 struck next; he also scored.

BRNESC Number 19 also scored, but not without difficulty. The referee decided the first penalty taken had to be disallowed as the goalkeeper moved too quickly. This happened again to two other players.

Inny Boys’ Number 11 then missed his penalty, which gave BRNESC the chance to capitalise. However, Inny Boys’ goalkeeper became the hero of the game as he made a great save to deny the opponents’ Number 7.

The next three Inny Boys players went on to score their penalties. As BRNESC Number 11’s attempt went over the crossbar, the Inny Boys celebrated becoming champions.