NEIL Sorvel saluted the ice-cool temperament of two young Altrincham reserves after a dramatic 7-6 penalty shoot-out win against Chester in the Cheshire Senior Cup at The J.Davidson Stadium on Tuesday night.

Tim Deasy's second save of the spot-kick marathon finally proved decisive, but only after right-back Callum Jones, who turned 20 last month, and debutant left-back Tom Westall held their nerve to convert flawless penalties just as the pressure was mounting.

"They both wanted to take one, as did all the lads, and were so confident," said assistant manager Sorvel.

"Even though they are only young lads, they were up for it.

"There was no shying away, and that was pleasing to see.

"The same can be said for Jake Moult. All right, he may be a lot more experienced, but he'd just had a pen saved in extra-time.

"That can be on your mind, but he was first to put his hand up for the shoot-out and he drilled it home."

Alty were taken to penalties after Chester made it 2-2 with virtually the last kick of extra time, but the real talking point came earlier, when Simon Richman was shown a straight red card for a challenge, shortly after opening the scoring with a stunning 25-yard drive.

The combative midfielder will be banned for three games unless Alty appeal, which Sorvel revealed they may consider.

"We will have to have a look at it," he said.

"It probably looked like both feet off the floor, but he definitely won the ball.

"Their lad went in tough as well, so we will look at the tape, then decide.

"It would be cruel to lose him for three games after he's just returned from a one-match suspension and has been playing so well, but we have got others who can step in, as has been shown."

Alty, who travel to Sutton Coldfield on Saturday, have been drawn away to Alfreton in the FA Trophy after beating Ramsbottom United 4-1 last weekend.