JOHN BOSTOCK was lucky enough to successfully hit the decisive penalty in the National League play-off final this afternoon... only to save an embarrassing Panenka.
Bostock's Notts County drew 2-2 with Chesterfield in a thrilling final at Wembley.
The former Tottenham and Crystal Palace midfielder played a huge role for his side, scoring a 1-1 equalizer in the 88th minute.
However, when it made headlines as the penalty shootout hero, Bostock inflated his lines. Notts County coach Luke Williams made a bold tactical move late in extra time - substituting sub-keeper Archie Mair for regular No. 1 Sam Slocombe with penalties in mind.
It was an inspiring decision, as Mair made two brilliant saves in the penalty shootout.
Those saves gave Bostock a chance to win with the county's fourth penalty.
The 31-year-old crossed the bar lazily, but his penalty from Panenka went over the bar.
Chesterfield temporarily leveled the penalty shootout 3-3, but Cedwyn Scott did what Bostock couldn't - convert the key kick to get his team back into the EFL.
After the game, a relieved Bostock was able to joke about his Panenka bluff while chatting with BT Sport.
I said:
"I think it's a challenge on the crossbar.
"I think that's it, if I score then we'll celebrate. "But Cedwyn Scott missed a penalty against Wrexham and he got us to this day so I'm relieved."
Bostock made his debut as a 15-year-old for Palace during the 2007-08 season, quickly moving to Tottenham.
Things didn't go well at Spurs, however, and he made just four first-team appearances in five years at White Hart Lane.
Having benefited from five loans from north London, Bostock's career took a nomadic turn.
I've had 2 stillbirths and a ruptured uterus but my pain is now helping others
Automotive experts share the right way drivers should clean their wheels
In the years since leaving Tottenham, he has played in Belgium, France and Türkiye - but has now found a home in County.
He has made 25 appearances this season, helping County amass 107 points and get promoted.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0