MILK CUP: Goalkeeper Ferguson ‘still buzzing’ after penalty shootout heroics

Larne teenager Jack Ferguson was named Man of the Match at Friday's Milk Cup Premier Section final. He is pictured receiving his award from John Dunlop, chairman of Dale Farm. INLT 32-903-CON Photo: Presseye

The Larne native saved three penalties in a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Club America at Ballymena Showgrounds.

It was the first time a county side has won the competition and for 17-year-old Ferguson, it’s only just beginning to sink in.

“It was a brilliant feeling to win it,” Ferguson told the Times. “I was absolutely buzzing and I still am. It was great to celebrate with the players and the fans.

“We had been training for around seven weeks before the tournament and it took a lot of commitment.”

Ryan Nimick headed Andy Hunter’s men in front after just 26 seconds before Ricardo levelled matters early in the second half. County Antrim won 3-2 on penalties and Ferguson, who is on the books at Glenavon, was named Man of the Match. But he insists it was a team effort.

“There were a few very talented players in the squad but we were very good as a team and we worked very hard. Our defence was our strong point,” he said.

Asked his secret to saving three penalties, he added: “I try to psych the player out and make myself as big as possible and then guess which way they are going to hit it.”