Glens kick-off the Foyle Cup in style with a five-star show
Goal-den boy: Glentoran’s Jack Hastings celebrates after scoring against Lisnaskea Rovers during their under-12 match on the opening day of the O’Neills Foyle Cup.
GLENTORAN 2006s kicked off the 2018 Foyle Cup — which has a record entry of 400 teams — in style as they dispatched Lisnaskea 5-2 at Brooke Park in their quest to reach a third Under-12s cup final.
The young Glens were behind at the break but produced a stunning second half performance to blow away their opponents and establish themselves as firm favourites in the Under-12s section.
Busy Lisnaskea goalkeeper Jake Woods kept the Glens at bay until a penalty award on 20 minutes saw striker Reece Lyttle put his side in front.
Not to be outdone, Rovers pressed and were awarded a penalty at the other end, courtesy of a handball, which was neatly tucked away by the impressive Cynan Douglas.
Minutes later, the same player crossed for Nathan Beattie to tap in to give Lisnaskea a 2-1 lead at the break.
But it was a different Glens in the second period with Walsh, Harvey and Lyttle probing from midfield with plenty of threatening passes.
The result was further goals for the Belfast team as they romped home as convincing 5-2 winners.
Other early Under-12s pace- setters include Cliftonville, Donegal Schoolboys, Derry Colts, Ballinamallard and Oliver Plunkett who accounted for Portrush, Hillsborough Boys, Lifford Celtic, Strabane Athletic and Draperstown Celtic respectively.
In the Under-13 section, Dungannon United have set themselves up to go far with a comprehensive victory over Red Star Roe Valley, while USA Global Soccer played Oxford and the huge crowd were thoroughly entertained by an impressive display by the American team.
English Championship side Sheffield United’s Under-13s came away as 4-1 winners over local side Tristar at Prehen who put up a brave fight.
The English side took the lead but the determined Derry team pulled level just before the halftime break.
Tristar were deflated after conceding two goals in as many minutes as the impressive Sheffield side pulled away to record a neat victory to start their 2018 Foyle Cup.
A feast of youth football is in store for the remainder of the week, with the teams taking part in the Opening Parade this morning, which leaves the Ul- ster University’s Magee campus and makes its way to the Guildhall where they will be welcomed by the Mayor, Councillor John Boyle.
The six day extravaganza will witness a record of over 1500 matches being played across more than 36 venues in Co Derry, Donegal and Tyrone this week.
Teams have travelled from all over the world to participate in this hugely popular international youth soccer tournament — from the USA, Finland, France, Sweden, England and Scotland as well as all over Ireland, north and south.
“I am asked each year why this event is so popular as entries are increasing annually,” said Foyle Cup chairman Michael Hutton.
“Firstly, the event is well organised and teams are made most welcome by those involved in hotel and tourism.
“The playing surfaces are very well maintained and teams are most complimentary about the standard of pitches.
“The event is known as the ‘friendly face of football’ but all teams play to win.
“Whilst we are delighted to welcome any team, we are amazed how interest has grown so rapidly in America — no fewer than 16 teams and over 600 American tourists will reside locally for between 10 and 14 days.”