Tommy Davis was “over the moon” to have earned a place in the Lancashire FA Professional Youth Cup final after PNE U18s defeated Bolton Wanderers on penalties.
After a 2-2 draw in normal time, North End were victorious 3-0 in a penalty shootout thanks to Davis making two huge stops.
In the 90 minutes, the Lilywhites took a two-goal lead into half-time courtesy of goals from Felipe Rodriguez-Gentile and Kacper Pasiek, but Bolton scored a penalty and a free-kick in the second period to send the game to penalties.
“I’m absolutely over the moon to make it to the final,” said Davis.
“I thought in the first half we were absolutely quality.
“We created numerous chances and took a good lead into half-time.
“In the second half, we were under a lot more pressure. However, we were able to dig deep and stick together and force penalties where we did well to win.”
Davis made two big stops from close range in the second half to deny the visitors winning the match in regulation time.
He then became the hero in the shootout, keeping a clean sheet from 12 yards.
“I try not to feel the pressure,” continued Davis.
“It’s all about the mind games in a shootout, trying to get them in here and there.
“If you save it then great, if you don’t it’s just onto the next one.
“The boys scored three great penalties as well which took some of the pressure off me and now we’re into the final.”
Davis hopes that the team can now carry this momentum onto the final, but also the rest of the league games as well.
“If we play like we did in that first half then we will do well,” stated Davis.
“The final will be a tough game whoever it is that we play, but if we knuckle down, I think we will have a very good chance.”