‘I told myself to save the next one'

Penalty hero Steven Benda has described Friday’s Premier League Cup victory as his best moment yet at Swansea City.

The 19-year-old keeper, who joined the Swans from 1860 Munich last summer, produced two crucial spot-kick saves to help the under-23s progress to the semi-final of the Premier League Cup courtesy of a 9-8 shootout victory over Brighton.

With the score at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the match progressed to extra time, where the German performed heroics to deny Ben Barclay from 12 yards after Cian Harries was judged to have handled in the box.

Benda then kept out another penalty during the shootout to win the tie - and save himself from having to take a kick.

“I knew my turn to shoot was coming and I did not want that,” Benda said.

“There were some great spot-kicks from both sides. I just told myself to save the next one and get the win for the team.

“It was just me and the penalty taker. I went the right way and managed to save a second on the night.

“It was a game that had everything for a goalkeeper. I was disappointed with the goal I gave away, but I think I made up for it.”

The dramatic victory means the young Swans are in the hat for the last four with the chance to defend the cup they won at Liberty Stadium last season.

That is an achievement Benda hopes to see his team can repeat this spring.

“To progress in the competition is huge for us,” he continued. “We want to win this cup again.

“We feel we are a strong team and can go further. I obviously was not part of last season’s win and want us to win this cup this year.

“For now I am just happy to help the team go through.”