SUNNYBANK keeper Lee Sweeney went from villain to hero as his side became the first club from the north to win the Inter Regional Trophy in 20 years.

Bank overcame Blairgowrie on penalties after an entertaining final at Keith Park.

The Sunnybank keeper, who was at fault for Blairgowrie’s opening goal, recovered to make several fine saves before saving three penalties in the shoot-out.

Sweeney said: “I thought I was fouled for the goal, but even if I wasn’t, I think I redeemed myself!

“Our defence was very nervy in the first-half, but I thought we played much better after the break and we are just delighted to get some silverware.”

Sunnybank manager Tom McPherson admitted he read the riot act to his players at half-time.

He said: “I thought that we very poor in the first-half. We were very nervy at the back and I told them that if things didn’t improve I would make changes.

“All credit to the boys on the second-half performance.

I thought we just edged it. It’s a lottery when it goes to penalties but Lee was fantastic for us and I am delighted we have won this cup.”