Young Kelty footballers secure hard-fought win for Scotland

History has repeated itself as Fife footballers have won the Coalfields Home International.

A team of under-16s soccer starlets from Kelty won the Coalfield Regeneration Trust’s Home International tri-nation tournament against teams from England and Wales at Wrexham yesterday.

The Scotland team vanquished the Welsh Dragons beating them 1-0 in a hard fought final, which saw history repeat itself. Scotland’s only other victory in the 10-year history of the event was also in Wales, two years ago.

The Kelty team of Paul Mitchell, Neil Mitchell, Rian Richardson, Callum Witton, Thomas Copeland, Liam Jackson and Sean Cummings was coached by Gary Lindsay.

Gary said: “It was a really tough competition, but the lads kept their composure and managed to score the only goal in a hard-fought final .

“They came to Wales determined to do themselves and Scotland proud, and that is exactly what they achieved.”

Nicky Wilson, Scottish trustee of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust added: “Wales is turning into a happy hunting ground for Scotland with our only two victories in these internationals on Welsh soil.

“I am really pleased for the Kelty lads who played with great skill and displayed the highest standards of sportsmanship throughout.

“The CRT in all three countries, encourages young boys and girls to get involved in football, as part of our drive to encourage mining communities to adopt a healthy lifestyle.”

Kelty Hearts won the right to represent Scotland when they lifted the Coalfields Community Cup last month.