Duane Holmes says the seamless penalty shoot-out routine which put Huddersfield Town into the Under 21 Premier League Cup semi-finals was down to previous experience and thorough preparation.
Frankie Bunn’s side scored every time from the spot as they followed up a second-round win at holders Southampton by beating Charlton Athletic 5-4 after their quarter-final clash at the John Smith’s Stadium ended 1-1 after extra time.
Holmes, having equalised with a penalty in the first half, scored Town’s first in the shoot-out to set the tone.
Jack Boyle, Flo Bojaj, Jordy Hiwula and Regan Booty then struck successfully while Charlton missed their third kick.
Watch Regan Booty score the decisive kick
Town, who like Charlton play in the Professional Development League, a level below the Under 21 Premier, beat the London club 6-5 on penalties in last season’s second round, when Holmes also featured.
And the 21-year-old midfielder said: “We’ve done extra time and penalties before and come through, so we had experience of it.
“And we also practised for a shoot-out beforehand, doing the walk up and everything, so we were ready.
“I have been taking penalties all the time I have been playing, so I was happy to take my two.
“There’s no set routine, I just decide where I want to put the ball, stick to it and try to his it hard an accurately.
“I was getting a few words from the Charlton keeper before my kick in the shoot-out, but I just made sure I stayed focused.
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“All the boys put away their penalties well, and it’s great to be through to the semi-finals.
“We got knocked out in the quarters last season, and we were all determined to make it to the semis this time.
“Charlton are a good side too and they gave us a tough game and created some good chances.
“Once or twice, especially in extra time, we had to be grateful to our keeper (Tadhg Ryan).”
The semi-final draw is yet to be made, and Holmes added: “It’s sure to be difficult at this stage.
“But we are on a good run (only one defeat in 18), and we won’t be overawed.”
