Painswick 3rds won a thrilling penalty shootout 7-6 against Cheltenham Tigers last night to clinch the GFA Primary North Cup.

Right-back Josh Smith scored the decisive goal, firing into the top of the net to spark wild celebrations as the club, who were formed 11 years ago, celebrated their first ever cup success.

The game at Bishop’s Cleeve had finished 1-1 after 90 minutes and Painswick chairman Jordan Hutchinson said: “It was a massive occasion, a great experience for the club, especially the third-team players.

“We had quite a young team, a couple of 16-year-olds and a couple of 18-year-olds, it was a great night.”

The game got off to an explosive start with Tigers, who play in Division Two of the Cheltenham League, going ahead in the opening minute when Liam Dix finished off a fine flowing move.

Painswick were soon level, however, when Cam Gallifent scored with a stunning left-footed half-volley from 25-plus yards.

“He absolutely leathered it into the top corner,” said Hutchinson. “He took one look up and was always going to hit it.”

Gallifent also had a chance to put Painswick in front but he was denied by a fine save by goalkeeper Brad Marks.

“It was a really cagey, well-contested game, I think a draw was a fair result over the 90 minutes,” continued Hutchinson, who was hugely impressed by the penalties taken by both sides in the shootout.

Painswick goalkeeper Aidan Hawksworth made the save that gave Smith the chance to become the hero but Hutchinson added: “The penalties were so good, you’d have thought all the players had been practising them all day.

“The two 16-year-olds who took penalties for us were so calm, they were excellent.”

For Cheltenham Tigers it was so near and yet so far after they’d overcome AFC Renegades in the semi-final in a penalty shootout.

“Our players gave it their all,” said assistant manager Daniel Lawrence. “Our first goal was a beautiful goal but we perhaps scored a bit too early.

“The penalties can be a bit of a lottery, it’s disheartening, but it will only make us stronger, we’re improving all the time.

“Everyone was saying in the dressing room afterwards that it isn’t happening again.”

And Tigers, who are in only their second season, have another cup final to look forward to because they are through to the Cheltenham League Senior Charities Cup final at Whaddon Road, home of Cheltenham Town, where they will play the winners of Friday’s semi-final between Whaddon United Reserves and Cheltenham United.

It's going to be a very busy time for  Tigers, who are managed by Michael Hackett, because they can still finish in the top two in the 13-team Division Two – they are currently sixth – and are through to the last four of the Cheltenham League’s Primary Charities Cup.

Painswick also still have plenty to play for in the last few weeks of the season.

Their flagship team are pushing for promotion from Division Two of the Northern Senior League after winning the Stroud League last season while their reserves are guaranteed a top-half finish in the 11-team Stroud League Division 5 (N).

Meanwhile, the 3rds, who this season are co-managed by Ian Holl and Paul Williams for the first time, are in the top three in the Stroud League Division 5 (S), although the teams immediately below them – Sherston Town Reserves and Nailsworth Town – have a number of games in hand on them.