Gav shrugs off pen nightmare

The young Cumbrian was distraught after his spot-kick hit the top of the bar, leaving Hearts to lift the cup after a 4-2 win on penalties.

But Skelton, who had volunteered to be one of Gretna’s penalty takers in the biggest game of his life, insists he would do it all again.

“I was confident taking the penalty,” he said.

“I felt comfortable and wanted to take one. I decided what I was going to do and I kept my head down. I thought I struck it well.

“But better players than me have missed penalties. The boys were spot on with me afterwards. They have been really good with me.

“I'd still take another one if I got the chance. I used to be a penalty taker in the youth team at Carlisle United and when I was at Workington Reds. I would still fancy myself to score.

“We'll probably never get a better chance to win the cup. I am proud of what we have done to get to penalties. We thought we could have nicked it, especially in the second half.”

Skelton, from Kirkby Thore, near Appleby, gave up his job as an apprentice electrician for another shot at full-time football with Gretna after being released by Carlisle United.