DOUNE CASTLE players Kenny Feaks, Niall McClure and Sean Feaks were members of the Scottish Amateur FA side that recorded an historic win in the UEFA Regions’ Cup in Lithuania last week.

The Scots travelled to Kaunas to compete in the Preliminary Round of the amateur game’s top competition. Hosts, Lithuania, Estonia and Sweden were the other group members taking part in the punishing 3 games in 5 days schedule.

Scotland were undefeated, winning 2 games and drawing 1 to top the group on goal difference from Lithuania.

All the Castle players were in the starting line-up as the Scots began opened the tournament with a game against the host nation.

After an even contest, Kenny Feaks shot Scotland into a 1-0 lead with 5 minutes remaining, slamming home a close-range finish following a corner. The resilient Lithuanians equalised two minutes from time, the 1-1 score line a fair reflection of the game.

Kenny Feaks retained his place in the starting line up for the second match versus Estonia. Scotland manager Bruce McNaught sensibly used his 18 man squad. All seven of the substitutes against Lithuania from the match started the game. Niall McClure started on the bench. Sean Heaver was ruled out with an ankle knock.

The Scots produced a whirlwind performance, overwhelming Estonia with a remarkable 9-0 win. Lithuanian recorded a 2-0 win over Sweden to set up an exciting, last day finale.

Niall McClure joined Kenny Feaks in the starting line up for the crunch game against Sweden. Sean Heaver took his place on the bench was would be introduced as a second half substitute.

With both sides in with a chance of qualifying, it was little surprise the game was one of few opportunities. The Scots recorded the only goal of the match in the 58th minute to set up a tense conclusion to the match.

Scotland held their nerve to win 1-0 and awaited the news from the National Stadium. Lithuania won 5-2 against Estonia but the Scots topped the group with a superior goal difference thanks to their goal feast in the second game.

Scotland now qualify for the second stage of the tournament, another group ‘mini-tournament’, to be held in Malta in early October. Apart from the host nation, the Scots will also face France and Ukraine. The winner of that group will qualify for the tournament finals in the summer of 2017.

Bannockburn Amateurs had five players in the 18 man squad, including Scots skipper Andy McGowan, the central defender partner of Kenny Feaks in all the games. Gary Currie, David Tait, Harry Bruce and Kenny Mclellan were the other players to feature.