Paget Lions became the second First Division club to win the coveted League and Shield Double in the past two seasons yesterday, and the second to do so by way of penalties.

Lions followed in the footsteps of Ireland Rangers who achieved the double last season.

And just like the West Enders, Paget took the long route to glory up against a team making a first ever appearance in a major domestic cup final.

Entering the match as underdogs, X Roads did well to keep pace with their opponents in the green and gold until five minutes from the end of extra-time when they virtually came undone at the seams.

First skipper Khomeini Talbot limped off injured, substitute Alfred Wolffe was sent off for hurling verbal abuse towards the referee and then ?keeper Clyde Darrell suffered a nasty blow to the hand attempting to save at the feet of Devonne Bailey.

And even though Darrell brilliantly dived full-length right on the final whistle to deny Norris Wilkinson the game-winner from long range, there would be little the young ?keeper could do to prevent Lions from clawing their way to victory from the spot.

In fact it was Darrell?s opposite number, Tariq Smith, who came up big in the clutch, diving to his right to push efforts from Eugene Calder and Nashon Smith around the post and ignite wild scenes of jubilation among Lions? supporters.

Smith also executed a series of big saves during regulation to keep his team ? who wasted numerous chances in front of goal ? on course for the double.

?I take my goalkeeping very serious,? he said, struggling to keep emotions in check. ?But all credit to my team-mates because none of this could have been possible without their help.?

Lions? player/coach Marvin Belboda, Yusaff Pitt and veteran Leonard Hypolite all converted for Paget from the spot as the newly crowned First Division champions sealed the double with two kicks to spare.

?I also give credit to X Roads because these guys didn?t lay down and play dead. They played a great game,? Smith added.

Dennis Musson scored X Roads' sole penalty while team-mate Gavin McDonagh blasted his effort over the bar.

Both teams had ample chances to convert during an evenly contested match. Yet it would ultimately take penalties to separate the two clubs.

Paget co-founder John Battersbee struggled for words afterwards.

?I am very proud of this team. I never thought I would witness what I have seen today,? he told . ?These guys have won the league and Shield and I am very proud of Marvin (Belboda) and all of the players.

?I?m just glad to see this happen today.?

Paget Community Club president Michael Stovell ? a member of Lions' 1995-96 victorious Shield team ? exclaimed: ?We?ve done the double for the first in history. It was hard for us and they (X Roads) took us to penalties. But we came out triumphant.?