MILNTHORPE Corinthians had their heads held high despite losing to Coppull United in the Northern Counties Championship.

After tying 3-3 after extra time, Coppull, who play in the West Lancs Premier League, two divisions above Corinthians, went through 4-3 on penalties.

Corinthians, representing the Westmorland FA, took the lead through a Richie Sandham header on 12 minutes and had the better of the opening exchanges - leaving the field 1-0 up at half time.

Coppull, representing the Lancashire FA, equalised with a header from six yards from George Melling on 60 minutes.

Coppull began to get on top and on 73 minutes keeper Adam White brought down Ryan Steele to give Coppull a penalty with Steele scored to make it 2-1.

As time went on it looked highly likely Coppull would hang on until with the very last kick in the 93rd minute Aaron Halliwell hit a 25 yard free kick that beat the keeper’s despairing dive to send the game into extra time.

Corinthians found a new lease of life and six minutes into extra time Halliwell scored direct from an inswinging corner to put them ahead.

But Dave Taylor equalised after 14 minutes with a header from close range.

Both teams pressed on to try and win it creating numerous chances before the game moved on to penalties.