Penalty kings Newlands net NRCFA Sunday Cup final glory

Newlands Park celebrate their NRCFA Sunday Challenge Cup final win

Player-boss Dan Sheader said: "I am delighted with the win! We deserved the win today, we were the better side in the 90 minutes had a great season and it's a fitting end.

"Each member of the squad has been outstanding throughout the season."

The visitors went in front after only five minutes when Ryan Link scored the rebound after a Liam Mintoft penalty was saved.

Newlands pictured before their NRCFA Sunday Challenge Cup final against Village Park Rangers

Newlands had chances to be two or three goals ahead by half-time as they found top form in the opening period.

Rangers levelled on the hour mark but Newlands came back strongly and Zac Hansen scored with a powerful strike from 20 yards.

Newlands almost put the game out of Rangers' reach straight afterwards as Ben Luntley beat his marker and was only denied by a great save from the Rangers keeper, Luntley then smacked the rebound off the crossbar.

With 15 minutes left the home side hit a long ball, and an unfortunate slip allowed the Rangers striker to finish superbly to level it at 2-2.

Newlands had a half-chance to grab victory, but the chance was not taken and the final went to penalties.

Both sides scored their first five penalties, with Luntley, Hansen, Ryan Matson, Brad Rowley, and Dan Freer all converting.

Aidan McCallion took the first sudden death spot-kick and smashed into the top corner and the Rangers man sliced wide to spark the Newlands celebrations.

Sheader added: "Thanks to everyone who had helped throughout the season especially the Dolan family, also the support on the day was outstanding.

"There was no man of the match as all round it was a brilliant team performance. I couldn't be any prouder, to win this cup with this set of lads and a wonderful club I couldn't be happier!"