RECORD-breaking Lancashire Under 16s Girls sealed a fourth successive Northern Counties Cup after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win against fierce rivals Cheshire at the Arbories.

It was a night when the Red Rose team were full of heroes but none more so than keeper Katie Maher.

The Hyndburn and Ribble Valley shot-stopper pulled off a string of wonderful saves - including a stunning stop midway through extra time - to keep her team in the match.

And those heroics carried through to the shoot-out where Maher pulled off a vital save to deny Cheshire an advantage before Alice Adams converted what proved to be the winning spot kick to seal a 6-5 sudden death victory.

It was a night were Adams started and ended the scoring as she fired Lancashire ahead after an effort from captain Natasha Fenton was parried back in to her path.

At that stage, Lancashire threatened to go on the rampage and Ali Johnson (Blackburn with Darwen) was denied by the post.

Cheshire drew level early in the second half when Holly Massey converted from the spot.

But playing down the slope, Lancashire had chances to regain the lead with Adams, Fenton and Olivia Wilkes, the daughter of Padiham manager, Steve all going close.

Maher then made three top class saves in extra time to deny Cheshire before her team-mates proved to be spot on in the shoot-out.

LANCASHIRE U16s: Katie Maher (Hyndburn and Ribble Valley), Erin Staunton Turner (West Lancashire), Karis Harrison (Blackpool), Megan Hester (Blackburn with Darwen), Ellie Hilton (Chorley), Olivia Wilson (Blackburn with Darwen) Natasha Fenton © Blackpool, Brenna McPartlan (Blackburn with Darwen), Alice Adams (West Lancashire), Lucy Staunton Turner (West Lancashire) Ali Johnson (Blackburn with Darwen) Jessica Rawstron (Pendle) Justine Elliott (Chorley), Niamh McGabhann (West Lancashire) Olivia Rees (Chorley) Olivia Wilkes (South Ribble).