TOM Eckersley was the hero after Wanderers reserves sealed a sudden-death penalty shootout victory against Manchester United.

The big defender held his nerve to ensure Alan Cork’s side sealed a second successive spot-kick victory in the Manchester Senior Cup at Altrincham’s Moss Lane ground.

Neither side had managed to break the deadlock in 90 minutes – and it looked as if nothing would separate the two sides in a marathon 20-penalty shootout.

At 7-7, Whites keeper Adam Bogdan saved David Gray’s effort but Nathan Woolfe could not take advantage as he blazed over.

But, after one more successful kick each, United’s Antonio Bryan fired wildly over and Eckersley stepped up to score and help Wanderers maintain their 100 per cent record in the competition.

In a game switched to Altrincham due to a floodlight problem at United’s usual home ground at Northwich, the Reds’ Angolan striker Manucho and Bolton’s Danny Sissons both went close with headers before Bogdan produced a fine one-handed stop to keep out Manucho’s deflected effort.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’a team looked the more likely to break the deadlock and Sam Hewson missed a great opportunity from close range eight minutes after the restart. Bogdan, called into the full Hungary squad during the last round of internationals, then did well to tip over Cleverley’s shot.

But the visitors continued to hold their own and the impressive Sheridan, who was happy to try his luck whenever the opportunity arose, had the ball in the net on 70 minutes but the midfielder’s cool finish was ruled out for offside.

That sent the tie into penalties and, just as they had done against Manchester City, Wanderers came on top to stay third in the group – three points behind leader Oldham having played two games less.

Wanderers: Bogdan, Sinclair, Stokes, Sheridan, Eckersley, Basham, Burns, Sissons, Obadeyi (Ward 86), Campbell, Woolfe. Subs not used: Brocklehurst, Harsanyi, Gbemie, Carlisle