Similar to Manchester United a week ago, Bexley team Newgen FC failed to lift the National Christian Cup when they were beaten by St Pauls of Liverpool in a penalty shoot-out on Saturday (May 29).

The match was held at Hemel Hempstead FC against Liverpool-based team St Paul’s & St Timothy’s for the final of the National Christian Cup.

The game started brightly for Newgen and Luke Williams scored direct from a free-kick to put them in front after 10 minutes.

The lead lasted until almost the stroke of half time, when St Pauls played a ball through which came off a Newgen defender into the path of the big St Paul’s centre forward. 1-1 and all to play for.

Second half was nip and tuck for 15 minutes until Phil Stradling lofted a high ball into the St Pauls area. The keeper came, fumbled and the ball ended up in the net. Newgen in the ascendency. Two minutes later St Pauls goalkeeper was red carded for serious foul play.

Read more: Bexley's Newgen FC to play in National Christian Cup final

Newgen penalty awarded and the chance to put some distance between the two teams but the substitute goalkeeper dived to his right and became an instant Liverpool hero. In the 2nd minute of time added on a scramble in the goal mouth and St Pauls levelled 2-2.

Because of distance to travel home it was decided that the match would go straight to penalties. Although the men of Sidcup were ahead at one point St Pauls eventually triumphed 3-4 and took the cup.