SHERBORNE St John FC under-nines followed in the footsteps of Barcelona football stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez as they finished runners-up in a international tournament played at the Spanish giants’ home, the Nou Camp.

The youngsters lost 3-2 in a penalty shoot-out against Langton Green, a team from Tonbridge Wells.

In the final, Harry Smith opened the scoring with a powerful header after a great cross from Tyler Field.

Langton equalised against the run of play with a 20-yard thunderbolt, but Sherborne took control once more and got back into the lead with another well-worked goal, Field scoring after great play from Smith and Braedon Nicholl.

Langton equalised in the final minute, so the game was decided by spot-kicks a penalty shoot-out.

In the semi-final, Sherborne faced a strong Cambridge Celts side, but they never looked back after taking a 3-0 lead thanks to fine goals from Field and Nicholl.

The Celts fought back and only some excellent defending from Ben Hastings, Nikita Graille, Thomas Howard and Fin Hannigan held them at bay, while goalkeeper Kinay Sari made some fine saves.

Cambridge grabbed a late consolation goal two minutes from time, but Sherborne ran out 3-1 winners.

To reach the last four, Sherborne cruised through their group with a 100 per cent record.

Sherborne team coach Carl Smith, said “I am so proud of them. They were amazing from start to finish.

“It was a once in a lifetime experience for the boys to run out at the Nou Camp, one of the best stadiums in world football.

“They also got to test their skills against some very stiff opposition and they didn’t disappoint.”

The Sherborne team have enjoyed a great summer, winning tournaments organised by MFC Popley, Basingstoke Town Colts, Tadley Calleva and Bracknell Cavaliers.

They also lost on penalties in the final at the Woodley Saints tournament.