One of Blackburn Rovers Community Trust’s walking football team came home victorious from a football match after a dramatic penalty shoot-out. 

The over-65s team travelled to Sheffield to compete in the Hallamshire Trophy.

Rovers adapted well to the change in the speed of the game and won the final in a penalty shoot-out to bring the trophy back to Ewood.

Blackburn finished top of their four-team league group to earn a place in the final against Sheffield’s Leisure United.

Rovers played well throughout the afternoon and their place in the final was well-deserved.

The defensive work of Kevin Amos and Kevin Malone shored things up at the back with keeper Bernard Crankshaw dealing with anything that got past them.

Ian McCann and Steve Walton provided width and energy to the attacking play and Tony Jones, Dave Wilde and Graham Walton played from defence to attack down the central core.

Rovers dominated the early stages of the final but they fell behind to an unstoppable shot from the opposition centre-forward following a free kick on the edge of the box.

Time moved on but Rovers couldn’t find an equaliser despite carving out chances.

At the final whistle it remained 1-1 and the game went into penalties.  

United went first and a well-struck spot kick was heading for the bottom corner only to be intercepted by Bernard Crankshaw’s outstretched arm as he dived full length to divert the ball around the post.

Rovers’ Graham Walton, Tony Jones and Kevin Malone were all on the mark to give Rovers a 3-2 victory.

A spokesperson for Blackburn Rovers Community Trust said they were “so proud” of the football team.

They said: “I am so proud of our walking football offer at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust.

“We have sessions for participants with Parkinson’s and other health conditions, men over 50 and Women over 35 and 50.

“I am particularly proud though of what our men's teams have achieved not just on this occasion but in times gone by.

“They have had so much success, and this is just another one to add to the collection. The trophy cabinet is well and truly full which is a great achievement.”