Smith the hero as Paggies win Knock Out Cup on penalties

Paggies Bar FC completed a second successive league and cup treble after winning the Knock Out Cup in Lambourn on Sunday.

Paggies were made to work hard for their third piece of silverware in four weeks, coming from a goal behind against a spirited Northworx side before drawing 2-2 and winning on penalties.

Nwx frustrated the Newbury Sunday League and Lambourn Cup champions and took the lead in controversial fashion before the break.

A sensational solo goal from Ross Lawrence levelled the scores after half time and a tap-in from Ryan Allan put Paggies in the lead and on course for the title but Nwx hit back late on to take the game to extra time.

There was still no winner after an additional 30 minutes so the game went to a shootout, with Paggies goalkeeper Adam Smith making himself the hero and saving three spot-kicks to hand his side the crown.

However, despite a trophy-laden end to another successful season, Paggies manager Willy Greenall felt his side’s performance left a lot to be desired.

“We just didn’t turn up,” he said.

“We were the better team for the first 20 minutes but we’ve got a self-destruct button and we conceded and started arguing.

“We had to calm ourselves down at half time, the reality is we’re not used to going behind.

“Nwx played well, I have to give credit to them and I thought they were the better team for large parts.

“Thankfuly Adam Smith’s saved three penalties and we’ve got the job done.”

Paggies are set for a number of incomings and outgoings this summer as Greenall looks to create a squad capable of winning the Berks and Bucks Cup.

He said: “I think we’ll lose a few lads but we’ll get some in to add some freshness and hunger.

“It’s very difficult to do what we’ve done and we’ll be back again.

“I’d love to win the Berks and Bucks but it’ll be tough.”