BOURNE Town Reserves lifted the inaugural Red Lion Cup with a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over Red Lion Bourne at the Abbey Lawn on Friday night.

But Red Lion (formerly Jubilee Bourne), led 3-1 and 4-3 and can count themselves unlucky not to have won the game.

Scott Spearink (2) and Luke Enderwick (2) were on target for the Wakes, with Ross O'Loughlin, Josh Ryan, Nick McAllen and Keith Gray the Red Lion scorers.

Lion player/boss O'Loughlin said: "This standard of football played in the final was outstanding and a credit to both sides.

"The cup will be played once a year– so hopefully the sides will meet in the final again."

After a quiet start, the final burst into life after 15 minutes when Gray's deflected cross found it's way to O'Loughlin, who dispatched a stunning volley into the corner.

The Wakes battled back and soon found themselves on level terms, Spearink coolly curling a Dan Mason through ball into the corner of the net.

Lion didn't panic and after a great period of possession, Josh Ryan forced home a rebound to restore their lead - and score his first goal of the season.

It got better for the Grantham and District League side just before the break, McAllen firing a fine strike into the top corner for 3-1.

Reserve team boss Darren Munton introduced himself for the second half and he quickly laid on a second for the dangerous Spearink, who made no mistake from close range.

Confusion between Josh Cattermole and Jason Gough then let in the pacy Enderwick for an equaliser.

However, former Wakes player Gray then looked to have won the game for Red Lion, smashing home a sensational 30 yard effort to leave Town reeling.

But hesitant defending from stalwart defender Gough again allowed Enderwick in for an opportunistic leveller minutes before the end.

Extra time came and went without incident, leaving the final to be decided by the lottery of a penalty shoot-out.

O'Loughlin, Moss and decisively McAllen missed for the Red Lion, with Spearink, Matt Holland, Mason and Ben Schiavi all scoring for the Wakes.

Only Gough and Doug Gittens found the target for the Red, leaving Bourne Town 4-2 winners.

O'Loughlin added: "I'd just like to say a thank you to Charlie who refereed the game and to Bourne Town for putting on refreshments after the game."

Red Lion man of the match: Keith Gray
Bourne Town Reserves man of the match: Scott Spearink