SWINDON Town suffered penalty heartbreak this evening as they exited the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at the hands of Peterborough.

After goals from Alex Pritchard and Britt Assombalonga in regulation time ensured the tie was locked at 1-1 on the night and 3-3 on aggregate, Tijane Reis and Massimo Luongo missed from the spot for Town as Posh secured their place at Wembley following a 4-3 shootout win.

After Luongo and Nathan Byrne had efforts for Town and Wes Foderingham had to push a swirling Assombalonga shot clear, the Town players and fans were calling for a penalty after Craig Alcock felled Dany N’Guessan after he had been superbly slipped in by Jacob Murphy. Referee Keith Stroud said no, much to the frustration of the home support.

Town enjoyed the majority of possession but couldn’t force Bobby Olejnik into a save in the Posh goal, but a slice of poor defending soon presented Town with the lead.

Luongo drilled in a cross which was cleared by Alcock from his own six-yard box, but his effort was straight at N’Guessan and the ball fell at the feet of Pritchard who was able to lash home the opener.

Town maintained their lead until the break and N’Guessan had an ideal opportunity to double the advantage at the very start of the second period but could only turn his shot onto the outside of the post after profiting on hesitation between Nathaniel Knight-Percival and keeper Olejnik.

Seemingly happy with the lead, Town sat back giving Peterborough time on the ball and they were soon punished as Murphy gave the ball away to Michael Bostwick who crossed for Assombalonga to head past Foderingham.

Neither side had a genuine chance to win it before the penalty combination which sent Peterborough to English football headquarters.