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Notts County star 'thought it was crossbar challenge' after Wembley Panenka botch

John Bostock hid his face with his shirt after missing the most ridiculous of Panenka penalties - blowing his chance to send Notts County into the Football League

John Bostock's bold effort backfired at Wembley
John Bostock's bold effort backfired at Wembley(Image: BT Sport)

Imagine stepping up to the penalty spot at Wembley with a chance to send your side into the Football League - and choosing to attempt a Panenka which comes back off the crossbar.

John Bostock did exactly that after Notts County twice came from behind to punish Chesterfield - hiding his face with his shirt as substitute goalkeeper Archie Mair told him to keep the faith.


With Cedwyn Scott, who recently had a penalty saved against Wrexham, scoring the winner moments later, the former Premier League midfielder was rather thankful.


READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney lead Notts County congratulations after Wembley glory

Bostock said: "I thought it was crossbar challenge. I thought that was it, if I scored that we’d have been celebrating.

"But Cedwyn Scott missed a penalty against Wrexham and he took us up today, so I’m relieved."

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With Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney quick to send their regards, Bostock took to social media.

Brave or silly? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below.

John Bostock hid his face with his shirt after missing the most ridiculous of efforts
John Bostock hid his face with his shirt after missing the most ridiculous of efforts(Image: BT Sport)

He said: "What a way to mark my 300th professional appearance. I’ve played in many teams, but none as special as this one. 300 down and many more to go by his grace.

"The marathon continues. To Jesus be all the glory."

With Andrew Robert Dallas getting the opening goal from the spot, Bostock equalised two minutes before the final whistle to send the game to extra time.


John Bostock was the most relieved man at Wembley as Notts County reached League Two
John Bostock was the most relieved man at Wembley as Notts County reached League Two(Image: BT Sport)
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Armando Dobra then scored a stunner before Ruben Rodrigues sent it to the dramatic penalty shoot-out, which finished 4-3.


Taking to Twitter, rival owners Reynolds and McElhenney stuck to their word after admitting they were hoping for County to get the win, with a mention of the late Jason Turner.

Hollywood megastar Reynolds wrote: "Congratulations @Official_NCFC!!!! What a game, what a season, what heart. We will see you in the EFL next."

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 13: John Bostock of Notts County celebrates after scoring the team's first goal with teammates Jodi Jones and Connell Rawlinson during the Vanarama National League Play-Off Final match between Chesterfield and Notts County at Wembley Stadium on May 13, 2023 in London, England.
Notts County beat Chesterfield the hard way to join Wrexham in the Football League(Image: Getty Images)

His acting pal McElhenney added: "Never a doubt. Congratulations @Official_NCFC !!!!!!! What an extraordinary run. See you next year ;)."

Reynolds then added: "And huge love to the family, friends and loved ones of Jason Turner."

Turner was the much-loved chief executive at County until his passing at the age of 50 earlier in the year, with a huge banner watching over Wembley.

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