Bentley’s driven by the elite

Now they really do know Alex

SOUTHEND goalkeeper Dan Bentley says watching Manuel Neuer and Joe Hart helped him win the psychological battle of penalties and earn his side a place in League One.

The Shrimpers were heading for defeat against Wycombe after Joe Jacobson’s free- kick went in off Bentley fi ve minutes into extra- time. But Joe Pigott equalised 24 seconds from the end before Bentley saved

SOUTHEND WYCOMBE 1 1

SOUTHEND WIN 7- 6 ON PENS from Matt Bloomfi eld and Sam Wood in the shoot- out.

Bentley’s bizarre antics between kicks included shaking the crossbar, delaying penalties by sipping from his water bottle and staying on his post. The behaviour bordered on gamesmanship but afterwards he insisted it was something he learnt from Europe’s elite .

“I kind of make up my repertoire,” he said. “You can take bits from other goalkeepers like Neuer, Hart and others.

“It’s all about winning the psychological battle and having a presence. That’s what I’ve done.

“The way it worked out it was in our favour. I’m not sure if it made the difference or not. ” Wycombe thought they had done enough after recovering from the loss of Sam Saunders, who picked up an injury just two seconds in, but they were left shell- shocked.

“To be injured after only two seconds of a fi nal is extraordinary,” said his replacement Bloomfi eld. “I’m glad I could come on and play well – but I’m devastated to miss one of the penalties. There are not many worse places to lose than Wembley.”