TALENTED youngsters with Kelty Hearts are the pride of Scotland after winning a home international football tournament on Sunday.

The under-16 team, together with a side from Blantyre, took on sides from English and Welsh mining communities in the Coalfield Regeneration Trust’s Home International tri-nation competition.

The Kelty players – Paul Mitchell, Neil Mitchell, Rian Richardson, Callum Witton, Thomas Copeland, Liam Jackson and Sean Cummings – won the right to represent their country when they lifted the Coalfields Community Cup final against Tynecastle FC at Alloa Athletic’s Indodrill Stadium in June.

The event was played in Wrexham and, prior to the weekend, Scotland’s only previous success in its 10-year history came two years ago when it was also held in Wales. But the West Fife players were on the ball to ensure history repeated itself as the Scots defeated the Welsh Dragons 1-0 in the final.

Team coach Gary Lindsay 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’s exactly what they achieved.”

Nicky Wilson, Scottish trustee of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, said: “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.”