PNE dispatched Nottingham Forest, Gillingham and York in the group stages to progress into the knockout rounds on the second day of the competition.

There they saw off Barnsley (2-0), Motherwell (2-1), Crystal Palace (2-0) and West Bromwich Albion (4-1) to qualify for the final against Watford.

In the final, they took the lead inside the opening minute through centre-forward George Pennington, and the score remained the same until five minutes left when the Hornets were awarded a penalty.

However, Danny Roccia saved the spot-kick and PNE were crowned champions.

Proud manager Steve Cowell said: "It's an unbelievable achievement.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would win this cup.

"But we got on a roll and just clicked. As the tournament progressed, we got stronger and stronger. The squad's blend was perfect, and for me, it's a once in a lifetime achievement as a manager.

"Fans came from everywhere to support us. There were scenes of mass celebration and when we lifted the trophy, all the other teams stayed to give us a standing ovation.

"I said to the lads in the team talk for the final to do it for themselves, their families, but most importantly for the shirt that they are wearing.

"It was a team effort, but George Pennington scored eight goals and was just unstoppable.

"Jason Dodwell won the man-of-the-match in the final – he had ripped West Bromwich apart in the semi-final and then did the same against Watford."

The team received generous applause when they paraded the trophy around Deepdale during half-time in the game against Everton on Tuesday.