LOUGHTON-based junior team Shiners FC lit up the competition as they triumphed in an illustrious international tournament in Barcelona.

The under-15 team, who train and play their home games at Roding Valley Recreation Ground, swapped their modest set-up for far more glamorous surroundings in Catalonia. There they stood toe-to-toe with household professional teams like Santos and Boca Juniors, before eventually going on to win the Barcelona Cup.

The Cheshunt League Division One champions took part in a Champions League-style format, in which the competing teams were placed in groups.

The top teams qualified for the knockout stages, while the runners-up went through to a Europa League-esque tournament.

It was in this secondary competition that Shiners tasted victory, although they came close to causing a major upset and qualifying for the premier event, having taken one of the world’s finest junior sides, Brazilian outfit Santos, all the way in a group game.

The team had battled superbly in searing heat all game to be level at 1-1 heading into the final stages. But a late wonder goal denied them what would have been a remarkable draw.

The team coasted through three games before coming up against Canadians Blizzard Thunder in the semi-finals. A bizarre own goal gave Shiners the lead before Harry Clark converted after good work from Tommy Coulson for a 2-1 win.

In the final Shiners came up against another Brazilian side in the shape of Esporte Uniao, and they looked to have wilted in the 110 degree heat, falling a goal down.

But a stunning 30-yard free-kick from set-piece specialist Harrison Jones and a spectacular team move turned things around. The second and crucial goal arrived after Coulson squared for Tony Akbari to tap home, following an inch-perfect 40-yard crossfield ball from Patrick Lacerda.

Club secretary and coach Alf Fajardo, who spent eight months arranging the trip, said: “If we had finished last it would not have been a shock, such was the standard of competition.

“I’m so proud of the boys. It’s my biggest achievement in football for 35 years.

“It took a lot of time and effort to get us there but it was all worth it in the end.”

The rest of the squad included Charlie Holmes, Sam Melling, Joey Butcher, Mark Mouna, Jerome Scorer, Michael Mitchell, Frankie Hill, James Lovelock, Joe Andrews and Arthur Saffill.