GALA Fairydean Rovers were denied glory in Portugal after losing a semi-final shoot-out.

A total of eight teams took part in the Brown’s International Walking Football Festival in Vilamoura.

The Gala team started brightly with a 1-0 win over Stamerton Stalkers A thanks to a goal from Martin Edmunds.

They followed opening victory up with a 2-0 win over Lancashire and Cheshire Vintners, with the goals coming from Ali Paterson and Jim Waters.

Mike Godsman, Martin Edmunds and Ian Cooper all found the net as the Fairydean Rovers enjoyed a 3-0 win over Suffolk Strollers in the final group match.

In the quarter finals Gala drew Portsmouth who are linked to Pompey in the Community.

And they continued their winning ways with a 2-0 victory, thanks to an own goal and another from Ian Cooper.

The semi-final gainst Cateringham and Crawley Casuals ended 0-0. Both teams had chances and our keeper Glenn Milne produced several fine saves.

The penalty shoot out ended 3-2 in the Casuals' favour.

The tournament was eventually won by Lancashire and Cheshire Vintners, who beat Cateringham and Crawley 2-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Gala captain John Hislop admitted his team were unlucky not to go all the way. He told the Border Telegraph: "The Gala Fairydean Rovers players were unlucky not to win the tournament but the guys were excellent ambassadors for the club.

"Everyone who took part played the game in good spirit, accepted the referee’s decision without question, and congratulated our opponents whatever the result.

"The games were played with a ‘three touch’ rule which is foreign to us but we adapted well and played some excellent football.

"Our confidence going into the semi-final was shattered however when we saw that none of our opponents had any bandages, several still had full heads of hair and they all had their own teeth. When some of them started doing stretches to warm up, we knew that we were in for a tough game.

"The tournament was an amazing experience however and I’d like to thank Scottish Borders Council and Gala Fairydean Rovers for their support, including a set of red and black striped shirts."

Gala's next tournament will be in June when they take part in the Age Scotland tournament at Spartans in Edinburgh.