BENTON Park School footballers kept their nerve in a penalty shootout to overcome Essex side Harris Academy and lift the National Under-17 Cup at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium.

Scott Smith linked with Josh McKiernon for Benton’s first tester but his shot was saved by keeper Liam Price. He then saved from George Gomersall before tipping Louis Squires’ point-blank header to safety.

Harris Academy’s first chance came as Ayo Adeniyi played in Abraham Bankrole but he was thwarted by Benton goalkeeper Sam Whittington.

After a goalless first half Whittington found McKiernon with a long clearance and he beat Harris captain Aromolaran before slotting the ball past Price. Benton doubled the lead when McKiernon smashed home a penalty after a handball in the area by Paul Nwanze.

Tim Ogunrinde whipped in a corner which sneaked in at the front post for Harris.

Three minutes later Smith was brought down and Christian Soda scored another penalty to put Benton Park 3-1 ahead.

Dan Pickles could have finished it for Benton but his effort struck the post. McKiernon collected it and smashed a shot in off the crossbar for his hat-rick but it was ruled out for offside.

Bankrole scored in the 89th minute to make it 3-2, seconds later Harris captain Aromalaran levelled the scores.

Benton triumphed 4-1 in the penalty shoot-out after two amazing saves from Whittington and penalties from skipper Jack Atkinson, Christian Soda, Scott Stein and McKiernon.

After the game McKiernon said ‘Winning the National Schools Cup is obviously an amazing feeling, the whole team played a huge part and we’ve been class in every round.

“We didn’t half make it hard for ourselves from being 3-1 up in the 89th minute and conceding two late goals but we kept our heads up and won it on penalties.

“ I am proud to be a part of this team and win the trophy for our school.”