The Isle of Man Football Association’s Special Olympics team won their divisional group at the San Marino Small Nations tournament recently.

IoMFA chief executive Frank Stennett said: ’This was very our first entry into the Special Olympics Small Nations tournament, which was held in San Marino this year.

’The competition was extremely well organised from the opening ceremony to the closing parade with the special guest of honour being ex-Inter Milan midfielder and former Serbian international Dejan Stankovic.

’Because of late injuries, the Manx squad travelled with only six players for the five-a-side tournament.

’Every single player gave their utmost for the team throughout the tournament and they were a great credit to our sport and the Isle of Man.

’We kept going in every game with only one substitute available.

’To win the final game against the hosts San Marino was a really great achievement. Well done to all our players and coaches.’

RESULTS:

Friday, August 31

IoM 1 Malta 0

Mark Henry

IoM 2 San Marino 0

Ben Mowle 2

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Saturday, September 1

IoM 0 Malta 1

IoM 3 Cyprus 0

Mark Henry 2

Liam McCarthy

Semi-final

IoM 1 Estonia 0

Tom Hall

Final

IoM 1 San Marino 0

Ben Mowle

Isle of Man sqaud: Tom Hall (captain), David Hudson, Mark Henry, Ben Mowle, Liam McCarthy and Jamie Comaish.

l Thanks go to coaches Kevin Cowin and Mickey Curran and also Isle of Man Special Olympics director Beryl Wooldridge.

Thanks also go to Bill Mummery and all at Celton Manx for their kind support that made this trip possible.