One 'Ell' of an effort!

The Ellan Vannin football team can expect a warm reception when it arrives back at Ronaldsway this afternoon (Monday).

Its dream run at the ConIFA World Football Cup in Sweden ended in disappointment with a heart-breaking penalty shoot-out defeat in the final of the competition yesterday.

After a goalless draw, the Manx lost 5-3 on spot-kicks to the French county of Nice.

However, the efforts of the side - 250-1 outsiders to win the competition at the start of the tournament – have been praised by Islanders who packed pubs to cheer them on.