PENALTIES were needed to split Wigginton Grasshoppers and Pocklington Town in one of the most “fantastic” York FA Cup Under-14s finals seen for many years.

After the two teams had held each other 1-1 at the end of normal time in the showpiece at Bootham Crescent, Wigginton goalkeeper Michael Ellis was the hero – saving two spot-kicks as his side won 4-2.

A final which produced skill, endeavour and sportsmanship of the highest calibre, Ellis was called into action early on to save Jordan Quarton’s shot.

Wigginton exhibited some neat football and Rowan Cooper went close with a shot from the left-wing but it was Pocklington who took the lead on 26 minutes.

Following a corner from the right, Edward Dixon beat the hesitant Ellis to the ball and headed home.

But Wigginton were level before half-time. The ball fell to Callum Hurst who slotted the ball past the Pocklington ’keeper. They pushed for the winner after the break with shots from Brad Winters, James Brown and Jack Rudkin being denied by an outstanding Pock defence, of which Edward Dixon was the pick.

Pocklington goalkeeper Joe Higgins was man of the match after producing save after save and, following such a frenetic pace, the two teams tired in extra-time.

The nearest either side came to a goal was when a 40-yard free-kick from Pock’s Joe Mills dipped over the Wigginton crossbar and it was Jason Ezard who netted the all important penalty to decide the destination of the cup.

The trophy and medals were presented by Roy Ellwood, the President of the York & District FA.

Bob Grainger, York FA secretary, said: “It is absolutely brilliant to be back at Bootham Crescent after so long and it was an absolutely fantastic final. It was one of the best I have seen for years.”