POPPLETON Tigers reached the final of the York FA Under-11s Junior Cup after officials from the Football Association were called in to rule on their penalty shoot-out victory over Tadcaster Magnets Blues.

The two sides drew 1-1 in the last four on Sunday, March 3 and the Tigers triumphed in the subsequent shoot-out.

However, it was discovered that Poppleton’s five initial penalty takers were then also involved in the sudden death spot-kicks.

York FA officials consulted with the North Riding County FA before contacting the national governing body, who stated that the initial match result should stand but the shoot-out should be replayed.

Echoing the first shoot-out, the Tigers came out on top thanks to successful kicks from Jack Palmer, Sam Palmer and Ben Moss.

Tadcaster’s Miles Buckle also netted, but ’keeper Tom Allison proved to be the Poppleton hero.

Barry Casterton, York FA chairman, said: “It was one of those scenarios no one in the local FA had seen before.”

Meanwhile, Strensall Tigers pulled off a superb penalty shoot-out victory over Wigginton Grasshoppers to reach the final of the York FA U16s Senior Minor Cup.

The sides were level at 1-1 after normal time, but Strensall shaded the shoot-out 6-5 to reach their first final in 11 years.

Wigginton took the lead on 30 minutes thanks to an 18-yard shot from Owen Scott.

Strensall battled back and, on 60 minutes, Liam Flanagan broke free on the right and delivered an inch-perfect pass to Joe Pollard, who lashed home the equaliser.

Strensall ’keeper Jake Yates then made a string of superb saves, while a Flanagan shot rattled the bar.

In the shoot-out, Wigginton’s sixth penalty was saved by Yates and Scott Parkins slotted home the decisive kick.