Pegasus Juniors 1 Witney United 1

(Pegasus win 5-4 on pens)

SCOTT Hodgetts was the Pegasus hero with his vital penalty shoot-out save earning his side an intriguing tie with county rivals Ross Town in the second round of the Cherry Red Records Challenge Cup.

Goalkeeper Hodgetts, on his full debut for Pegasus, dived to push away Danny Sollis' spot-kick after both sides had been successful with their first three efforts.

With the remaining three kicks finding the back of the net, it was enough to send Pegasus through.

Earlier Witney had taken the lead in the eighth minute when Jamie Clarke received a fine cross-field pass and lobbed over the advancing Hodgetts from 20 yards.

But Pegasus went on to have much of the play with Darren Jones, Gavin Stone and Neal Hotchkiss all going close before the game's next vital moment arrived 15 minutes from the end.

Referee Bert Barry's attention was drawn to an off-the-ball incident which resulted in Witney goalkeeper Paul Tassell being sent off and a penalty awarded to Pegasus.

Hotchkiss scored from the spot and Matt Gray had a goal disallowed for offside but, in the end, the sides had to be separated by penalties.

While Pegasus are struggling at the bottom of the Premier Division, second-round rivals Ross are enjoying good form in their Division 1 West bid for honours.