Scunthorpe United retained their Lincolnshire Senior Cup title in thrilling fashion, defeating Cleethorpes Town 3-0 on penalties after an enthralling 3-3 draw at the LNER Stadium.

In a pulsating encounter, The Iron showed resilience to take the contest to a penalty shootout, where they held their nerve to lift the trophy once again.

First Half: A Goal-Filled Thriller

Cleethorpes Town started on the front foot, pressing early as Connor Smythe teed up Brad Abbott for an opening effort, only for his strike to be blocked from 18 yards. The Owls continued their bright start, with Nicky Walker and Connor O’Grady both testing Scunthorpe’s defence.

However, it was Scunthorpe United who struck first in the 17th minute. Joe Starbuck whipped in a low cross from the right, and Mark Beck was on hand to poke the ball home from close range to give The Iron the lead.

Cleethorpes responded immediately, leveling the score just three minutes later. A pinpoint long ball from George Smith found Brad Abbott, who expertly controlled it before calmly slotting past the keeper.

The frantic pace continued, and just moments later, Scunthorpe restored their advantage. Mo Fadera capitalised on a loose ball inside the area, finishing clinically from eight yards out to make it 2-1.

However, the resilience of Cleethorpes shone through once again. In the 28th minute, Josh Walker pounced on a chance inside the box, producing a composed finish to bring the game level once more at 2-2.

Cleethorpes had a penalty appeal turned down towards the end of the half, but referee Ian Ruddock waved away the protests.

HT: 2-2

Second Half: Late Drama Forces Penalties

Scunthorpe made several changes at halftime, bringing on Kian Scales, Will Evans, Joe Rowley, and Carlton Ubaezounu in search of a second-half breakthrough.

Cleethorpes almost took the lead just past the hour mark, as Josh Walker beat Andrew Boyce before forcing a brilliant save from the Scunthorpe goalkeeper.

Moments later, The Iron struck again. Substitute Carlton Ubaezounu produced a moment of magic, curling a stunning effort into the top corner to restore Scunthorpe’s lead at 3-2.

Cleethorpes refused to back down and, with just over ten minutes to go, found their third equaliser of the game. A dangerous ball into the box was not dealt with, and Connor O’Grady reacted quickest to fire home and make it 3-3.

With the scores level at full-time, the 2025 County Senior Cup Final was to be decided by a penalty shootout.

FT: 3-3

Penalty Shootout: Scunthorpe Hold Their Nerve

In the shootout, Scunthorpe United were clinical from the spot, while Cleethorpes struggled to find the target.

The Owls failed to convert any of their three penalties, and it was Carlton Ubaezounu who stepped up to fire the decisive penalty down the middle, securing a 3-0 shootout victory for The Iron and sealing their title defence.

Manager Reaction: Andy Butler

Speaking after the victory, Scunthorpe United manager Andy Butler said: “We are really pleased again to win the trophy - it was a really good game of football. Both teams put everything into the game, and someone had to lose, but overall, I’m really pleased. We always have time for the Lincolnshire Senior Cup, and we play every game possible, so I’m delighted to win it as both a player and a manager.”

To be one of the first to receive the latest grassroots football news from Lincolnshire, and to receive exclusive offers and discounts from Lincolnshire FA partners – click here.