Acomb SC beat munch-fancied Yorkshire Herald on penalties to win the York City and District FA Sunday Junior Cup.

Goalkeeper Scott Hazlehurst was the hero with a penalty save and James Byford kept his cool to put away his kick to give Acomb a 5-4 spot-kick triumph.

Herald had the ball in the back of the net in the first minute only to have the goal ruled offside.

Acomb's Richard Dalby provided an opening for John Bonarius whose shot just cleared the bar.

Graham Ward responded for Herald with a shot which was which was just inches over the bar.

It then needed the outstretched leg of Herald's Simon Gripton to keep out a goal-bound shot from Richard Wells who then went close with a header after a Paul Winterburn free-kick.

In the first part of the second half both sides had to defy the elements of wind and rain storms. Chances were now few and far between, although Jamie Backhouse went close for Yorkshire Herald with a diving header.

Ward increased his influence for Herald, while Scott Nichols was outstanding for Acomb SC.

The game moved into extra-time but the deadlock could not be broken although 'keepers Hazlehurst and Gripton were forced into last-ditch saves to keep the score at 0-0.

After the initial five penalties in the shoot-outthe score stood at four goals apiece, although Herald 'keeper Gripton was unlucky as he got his hand to three of the kicks but was unable to prevent them entering the net.

It was now sudden death and Hazlehurst produced a great save to deny Herald, leaving Byford to step up, hold his nerve and coolly crack in the winning penalty.

The Sunday Junior Cup was presented by Bryan Shearer, a York FA vice-president.

Updated: 12:05 Wednesday, May 01, 2002