Last night at Springfield, the 13-year-old Haute Vallée student scored a perfect ten out of ten spot-kicks to win a day out at Arsenal Football Club next month when he, and one of his parents, will have lunch before the Gunners’ Premiership match against Norwich City at Highbury.
Young Pestana was a happy teenager at the conclusion last night – he had every reason to be too as he maintained his 100 per cent from the qualifying stages when he also hit a maximum five out of five penalties.
Pestana said: ‘I entered for the fun and didn’t expect to win – I don’t take penalties for my club and I’ve not practised.
It’s been brilliant, it was a great night and I feel fabulous.’ The youngster added: ‘When I take a penalty all I do is try to hit the side-netting – it’s as simple as that.’ Mike Allen, of SG Hambros, said: ‘What an evening, a fabulous occasion for the youngsters and a great night of penalties.
A lot of hard work has gone into organising the competition, I’m grateful to the organisers and hopefully they will do it again next year.’ Organiser Peter Vincenti said: ‘It was a fantastic night and a huge success.
The shoot-out was exciting and the sportsmanship shown between the competitors was exemplary.’ Down to the semi-final stages last night, shoot-outs were contested in six groups of six with each group winner progressing to the final.
The finalists were: Ed Knight (St Ouen), Mike McDonald (St Brelade), Ruben Pestana (St Paul’s), Sam de la Haye (Jersey Wanderers), Daniel McAviney (Jersey Wanderers) and Andrew Kearsey (St Clement).
Kearsey won his group from Peter Osmont (St Paul’s) on a third sudden-death kick after all six in the group had scored four out of five kicks.
The goalkeepers, who each made a handful of excellent saves, were Daniel Fleming (St Brelade) and Matt Brookland (St Paul’s).
Referees were Ray Sutcliffe and Andy Bradshaw.
