WORSTHORNE have reached the final of the Hospital Cup after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory against Colne.

The East Lancs League side held their nerve to slot home five superbly taken spot kicks to book their place at Turf Moor next year.

It was a dogged all-round performance from the Burnley team who were forced to defend for long periods against a fitter and younger Colne side.

Worsthorne took the lead when Matt Lalor showed great composure to chest down Mark Greenwood's deep cross before lashing a shot inside Chris Brennan's near post.

Up until then, Graham Hargreaves had been the busier of the two keepers, clutching on to a drilled shot from Phil Eatough, palming away a snap shot from Daniel Russell before tipping Ben Mouseley's firm shot on to the post. Anthony Young then planted a free kick against the crossbar after Mouseley was brought down by Tom Durkin on the edge of the area. Colne continued to apply the pressure after the break and substitute, Jon Brooks, gave them an extra attacking dimension. One run and through ball released Young who lost his footing at the crucial time. But Brooks played his part in the equaliser and his low cross was fired home from close range by Mouseley.

Worsthorne's reply was positive and Adam Lalor's racking cross field pass -- the best of the game -- picked out Craig Elliot whose low centre was missed by substitiute, Mick Tregay, with the goal at his mercy.

Tregay then fired narrowly wide after Bolt had put Cunningham under pressure in his own area.

Colne continued to look the more likely to score but a Worsthorne defence, superbly marshalled by skipper Wayne Ingham, and the tireless work of Peter Wood in midfield, kept them at bay.

With both teams tiring, extra time chances were at a minimum but Hargreaves was again called in to action, pushing away a fierce volley from Paul Murphy.

And so to the penalties and Worsthorne put together the best set of spot kicks any team could wish for under pressure.

So much so that Hargreaves save from Young proved to be decisive as Greenwood, Tregay, Durkin, Kelly and Carter were all spot on to hold their nerve and fire Worsthorne in to the Hospital Cup final.