TWELVE Clacton Knights players have just returned from the Algarve, where they were invited to compete in the fourth Eurocopa Cup.

The tournament was played over two days among 21 of Europe’s finest walking football teams.

On day one, Clacton were drawn into group B with six other teams and had to qualify by finishing in the top two.

They beat Fulham, FC Aulnay (France), North Lanarkshire (Scotland), Cottingham Rangers (UK) and local team Algarve SA Bras.

They then played and lost 1-0 against Oxford United but had already guaranteed their progress by finishing as runners-up.

Clacton faced a tough group on day two and were placed in a mini league with Sheffield United (winners in 2018), Olhos SA Bras (winners in 2017 and 2016) and FC Aulnay.

In their first game, Clacton pulled off a shock by beating two-time winners Olhos SA Bras. The local favourites took an early lead but Clacton fought back to win 2-1.

Next up were the French side, who Clacton had already beaten in their league the day before.

They knew a win would put them through to the semi-finals.

True to form, Clacton proved too strong and ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.

With qualification secure and the chance to rota their squad, Clacton lost their last league game to Sheffield United.

In the semi-finals, Clacton were drawn against the only non-European team, who travelled all the way from South Africa.

This game was a very tight affair and the result could have gone either way, but South Africa held on to eliminate Clacton 1-0.

South Africa went on to beat Sheffield United in the final and proved worthy winners.

Clacton beat FC Esquina (Spain) 2-1 in the third/fourth play-off match so finished the tournament in third place.

It was a fantastic effort from all the Knights squad, who will be returning next year in the hope of going one step further.