THE Perry Street league began their defence of the Mavis Tate Cup when they beat the Bridgwater Sunday League side – their fellow finalists for the last two years – in a penalty shoot-out.

Perry Street started sluggishly on Bridgwater Academy’s fast-paced 4G pitch but gradually grew into the game.

Crewkerne’s Liam Riste forced an excellent save from the Bridgwater keeper with his 35th minute header from a pin-point cross by South Petherton’s Stu Witt.

Perry Street started the second half brightly and a fine passing move saw Riste break the deadlock on 55 minutes, slotting home from the edge of the box.

The lead came under real threat in the 65th minute when Perry Street conceded a penalty but stopper Jason Contreras save well to maintain the lead.

Ten minutes later the Bridgwater keeper was keeping his side in the game again with superb double save.

First he blocked Riste’s 25 yard effort and then somehow kept out the follow-up shot from Shepton’s Aaron Sweet.

Bridgwater’s persistence was eventually rewarded when they found an 86th minute equaliser to send the tie to penalties.

Riste set Perry Street on their way, slotting home the first penalty while Bridgwater’s initial effort went sailing over the bar.

Perry Street’s Dan O’Connor, Crew-kerne’s Jonny Manley and Shepton Beauchamp’s Dan Peach and Kris Hastings all held their nerve to seal a 5-3 shoot-out win and book a semi-final place on March 25.