COUNTY football starlets were victorious at the Blackpool International Trophy.

Longniddry Villa’s under-12s’ side saw off Clifton Rangers in the final.

Captain Aaron Ferguson was the match-winner as he stepped up to slot home from the penalty spot following a first-half handball.

And their success was even more remarkable as it was the youngsters’ first-nine-a-side tournament.

On their way to the final, the Villa aces beat Lancashire Attack 2-0 and Cumbernauld Colts Yellow 1-0 before successive 1-1 draws with Cumbernauld Colts White and Clifton Rangers.

A 3-0 win over BJFF Predators got them back to wining ways and the group ended with two more victories, over BJFF Blades (2-1) and AFC Blackpool (1-0).

Captain Ferguson was presented with the trophy by ex-Celtic and Scotland star Charlie Nicholas.

Coach Bradley Farquhar told Courier Sport: “We’re all really proud of the boys winning their first ever competitive tournament against some tough teams in hot and sunny conditions.

“We were particularly delighted that it was noted by several onlookers on the sporting manner in which the kids conducted themselves both at the tournament and over the whole weekend.

“They are a great wee bunch of boys who did East Lothian proud.”

The winning squad: Matthew Allan, Billy Bingham, Adam Curran, Jack Farquhar, Aaron Ferguson, Archie Fletcher, Jackson Gray, Declan Hall, Joe MacPherson, Alex Mason, Euan McKerron, Jaime Snudden, Andrew Thomson and Samuel Wardlaw.