HARTPURY University booked their place in the Marsh Challenge Cup Final after a dramatic 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Pershore Town on Tuesday night.

Despite a slow start from the hosts, it was a spirited second-half display and nerves of steel from the spot that proved the difference, with Luke Jones netting both the equaliser and the winning penalty.

Pershore were the better side in the opening 45 minutes and created several chances through their dangerous long throw-ins.

That pressure eventually told when a long throw was initially cleared, but the ball fell kindly back to the taker. His second delivery – this time a cross from open play – found its way to the far post, where Harlie Price arrived unmarked to tap home the opener.

Hartpury responded well after the break and gradually found their rhythm. Their equaliser came just before the hour mark, when a deep cross to the back post was nodded down into the path of Jones, who reacted quickly to bundle the ball over the line from close range.

Both teams pushed hard for a winner in the closing stages, with Hartpury growing in confidence and Pershore continuing to threaten.

The hosts enjoyed more of the ball in the second half and looked the more likely to snatch a late goal, but the Pershore back line held firm.

The shootout started in Hartpury’s favour as their goalkeeper saved Pershore’s first spot-kick, diving low to his left. The hosts kept their cool from 12 yards, converting all five penalties with confidence.

Fittingly, it was Jones who stepped up to take the final kick, sending the keeper the wrong way and thumping his effort down the middle to secure a memorable win and spark celebrations among the home side.

Hartpury will now face Worcester Raiders in the Marsh Challenge Cup Final, which will be played on Easter Monday.