A KENT County League football squad has returned to this country with their heads held high after a battling, if unsuccessful, performance in the UEFA Regions Cup in Estonia.

The KCL were selected to send a team of footballers, who were aged between 19 and 35 and not under contract with any club sides, to represent England in the seven-day tournament.

England started their campaign with a disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of San Marino although, after creating a number of clear-cut chances in the game, they were hoping for better luck in front of goal in their next match.

However, despite a good second half display against the Czech Republic two days later, they went down 4-1 to the reigning champions - Sheerness East striker Jamie Salvidge bagging the consolation goal.

With no chance of qualifying for the next stage of the competition, Ian Hamer's team were determined to end their campaign on a high note, which is exactly what they did with a 4-1 victory over hosts Estonia.

Salvidge, who only made the squad at the last moment after playing in just the final trial match, netted a hat-trick, while Beauwater's Ryan Robinson netted the other England goal.

Hamer, who manages Premier Division champions Bearsted, said: "It was a great experience and, after a hard week, it was good to salvage some pride in our last match.

"We didn't start off too well again San Marino when the prospect of wearing the England kit got to the boys a little but there was no shame against the Czechs, who were head and shoulders above us.

"Against Estonia it was a pleasure to play in their national stadium and it was no exaggeration to say we could have scored eight goals. It was nice to end on a high note."