Coates Athletic held their nerve in a penalty shoot-out against Netherton United to win the PFA Senior Cup at Peterborough United’s stadium last night.

Cambs Times: The Coates Athletic players in the goalmouth before the game.The Coates Athletic players in the goalmouth before the game. (Image: Archant)

The game finished 3-3, so penalties were needed to decide the destination of the trophy. All five Coates players scored to seal a 5-3 win in the shoot-out.

Coates trailed at half time but Liam Harrold levelled after good work from Kevin Gilbert and Matthew Heron.

Harrold then burst clear and put Coates ahead, before Netherton equalised.

A great 20 yard strike from Adam Piergianni put Coates 3-2 up, but, deep into injury time, Netherton drew level.

Cambs Times: Coates Athletic trophy presentation.Coates Athletic trophy presentation. (Image: Archant)

The late goal could have demoralised Coates, but they showed immense character in the shoot-out.

Goalkeeper Lewis Moat was the hero, saving the first two Netherton penalties and scoring one of his own.

Jamie Darlow, Heron and Chris Beeby also found the net, before Jake Pell put away the decisive penalty.

Manager Andy Lodge won titles as a player at Boston United, but he described the night as his “best in 21 years in football”.

He said: “There were 26 seconds left when they equalised. It was gutting. But when you’ve got Lewis Moat in goal you feel confident. He saved two and scored one. It’s my best night in football in 21 years.”

It has been a stunning season on two fronts for Coates - they are clear in second in the Peterborough and District League, although Oakham have already clinched the title.

Lodge said: “We slipped up a couple of times so Oakham deserved to win the league. This year, we wanted to win a trophy and we’ve done it.

“We’ve got two games left and, although we are carrying a few injuries, we want to finish the season properly.”