ELMDEN Rovers' under-14s held their nerve to win a thrilling penalty shoot-out and lift the Open Cup.

They defeated A League champions Colchester Athletic Blues, after the match finished 2-2.

Elmden started brightly, going close on several occasions, and when the Colchester keeper handled outside his area Bradley Harris thundered the free-kick into the back of the net for 1-0.

After the break, Finley Caro received a pass from Charlie Wells and doubled his side's lead, after slotting past the Colchester keeper.

Colchester were awarded a penalty, which they duly scored to make it 2-1.

Then, into the final ten minutes, they scored again to make it all-square.

With the game finishing level, extra-time was played and Ross Purll had a shot brilliantly saved by the Colchester keeper.

Colchester then hit the Elmden bar, as the match finished 2-2.

It went to penalties and sudden death was needed, as the sides were locked at 5-5.

Elmden missed their next spot-kick and so did Colchester.

Rovers scored and then keeper Oliver Lawrence saved Colchester's next one to seal a dramatic victory.

Elmden: Oliver Lawrence, Billy Law, Jack Kosta, Bradley Harris, Tee Jay Apps, Ryan Noakes, Harry Holloway, Jack Allam, Finley Caro, Charlie Wells, Ross Purll, Keiran Kendle, Daniel Jones and Pip Allam.