EDDIE Cox was the hero again as Pershore Town reached a fifth cup final in two seasons after a penalty shootout win over Hellenic Premier leaders Cribbs.

The Pershore keeper made two saves in the shootout as The Plums won 4-3 after Levi Steele's penalty in the first-half of normal time cancelled out Ross McErlain's free-kick opener. 

Evesham Journal: Pershore keeper Eddie Cox made two big saves in the penalty shootoutPershore keeper Eddie Cox made two big saves in the penalty shootout (Image: Geoff Moore)

Pershore then scored all four of their penalties to secure their passage into the final, where they will play one of Royal Wootton Bassett Town or Lydney Town for the chance to lift the trophy. 

"I had full confidence with the penalties because we had some very confident players ready to step up," said manager Danny Janes.

"They are usually good in those moments and they delivered, Eddie did his job superbly also.

"I have always said Cup Competitions are just as important as the League, we were desperate to win last night and I am delighted for the players.

"They now have to back up the performance and result with the same standards at Kidlington. It will be a difficult game and we have to win."

Having won three cup competitions in the 2021/22 campaign, Pershore are now on the hunt for more silverware and could yet complete another treble this season.

They remain in the Smedley Crooke Memorial Cup and have a semi-final coming up in that tournament.

But the priority this year is the Hellenic League Division One title, which they are rapidly closing in on. They are three points clear with three games in hand on second-placed Hartpury University and two on third-placed Milton United.

Seven games remain for them to secure promotion to Step 5 so it is going to be a hectic final month for Pershore, who will on average play a game every three days for the remainder of the campaign.