Seven penalties missed in EFL Trophy shootout with 'some of worst spot-kicks of all-time'
Tuesday night's Papa John's Trophy clash between Crewe Alexandra and Leeds United Under-21s produced some of the poorest penalties ever taken in a dismal shootout
Goal-shy Crewe Alexandra and Leeds United Under-21s missed a staggering combined seven penalties in their Papa John's Trophy shootout - and fans branded them some of the worst spot-kicks of all-time.
The two sides played out a lacklustre 0-0 draw at Crewe's Mornflake Stadium on Tuesday night in their final group stage match in the competition, before contesting a penalty shootout to determine who received a bonus point. What followed was a shootout which included seven penalty misses as the hosts won 2-1 after five kicks each.
Alex keeper Dave Richards saved three spot-kicks, including the decisive one from Leeds' Darko Gyabi, whilst four missed the target completely.
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Three of those to not test the keeper were blazed over the bar, with the exception being Leeds full-back Junior Firpo, who dragged his wide of the post despite sending Richards the wrong way.
Fans on social media were quick to comment on the quality of the penalties, with one writing: “That is awful. Goodness me what a shambles.”
Another added: “Some of these penalties are impressively awful…” A third also commented: “Worst penalty shootout I’ve ever seen.”
What is the worst penalty shootout you have ever seen? Let us know in the comments section below.
One frustrated viewer went on to add: “How can four separate guys miss the target? What is this? These are full-time footballers?”
Meanwhile, another joked: “Wish I’d gone now, just to say I’d witnessed the worst penalty shootout you’ll probably ever see, couldn’t believe what I was watching on the iFollow.”
Leeds had named a strong side for the match, with a number of first-team players starting including Joe Gelhardt, Wilfried Gnonto, Mateusz Klich and Firpo.
However, their inclusion could not prevent Leeds' Under-21s from falling to an underwhelming shootout defeat following the goalless draw.
The Papa John's Trophy sees each side receive a point when a group stage match finishes level, before a penalty shootout takes place to determine which side will receive an additional bonus point.
As for Crewe, the bonus point was not enough to take them through to the knockout stages, with both sides eliminated at the first hurdle. Instead, Bolton Wanderers and Tranmere Rovers have progressed from their group.
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