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.
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In the years since leaving Tottenham, he has played in Belgium, France and Trkiye - but has now found a home in County.
He has made 25 appearances this season, helping County amass 107 points and get promoted.
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