Burscough go out on penalties

TUESDAY night’s FA Cup extra preliminary round encounters were the first competitive action for non-league sides – and there was plenty of drama as Burscough were beaten on penalties at Congleton.

Burscough had Michael Wilson sent off for a second bookable offence on 44 minutes, but took the lead two minutes from time thanks to an own goal following a great ball into the box from Luke Denson (pictured).

But in the third minute of injury-time, Congleton’s Lee Williamson grabbed a leveller to send the two North West Counties League Premier Division sides in to a penalty shoot-out.

Burscough keeper Conor Hunt saved Congleton’s first penalty while Adam Weston and Peter Hennerty converted their efforts, leaving Burscough well set on 2-1 after two rounds of spot kicks.

But then Congleton goalkeeper Dave Parton then came to the fore to become the home side’s cup hero.

After former Port Vale defender Richard Duffy had slotted home, Parton went on to save three penalties.

Dean Warburton put Congleton 3-2 ahead and although Jordan Johnson missed with the Bears’ last kick, Parton made his third and final stop to send Congleton through.

As well as the £1,125 in prize money, Congleton now have a preliminary round tie at home against Skelmersdale United on Saturday, September 12.