Scotland finally took the Royal Navy Inter Command football title after falling at the final hurdle in the past two years – but it took an extra-time penalty to see off the surprise challengers Naval Air Command.

The spot-kick, tucked away by PO(PT) Steve O’Neil, proved decisive in the contest, during which both sides enjoyed spells of supremacy.

Scotland have lost in the final for the past two years, but set the pace early on, and a long-range header from CPO(PT) Steve Riley gave them the lead in the 10th minute.

Within 60 seconds, the Air Command were level with an own-goal, PO(PT) Steve Losh deflecting a speculative cross into his own net.

After this frenetic start, neither side was able to break the deadlock, and the match remained all square going into extra time.

NAC’s AEM Tom Lamborne put the Airmen 2-1 up when his shot thumped past the outstretched arms of Scottish keeper LOM John Thompson, but a second headed goal by CPO Riley brought the scores level again.

With a penalty shoot-out looming, it was a spot kick in live play which gave the spoils to the Scottish side. MEM Topsy Turner was brought down in the NAC box, allowing PO Neil to clinch victory.

In the league stages of the competition, Scotland had seen off Portsmouth 2-1 and Plymouth 4-1 to book their place in the final, while favourites the Royal Marines went down 2-1 to NAC, who then drew with Fleet 1-1 to earn their crack at the title.