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

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.”