Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
GREEN FOR GO AS PENS
THE big shots from Manchester United were humbled by a brilliant Co Antrim last night in the final of the Supercupni.
And the local lads had to dig deep after having victory snatched from their grasp to set up a tense penalty shoot-out.
Charlie Allen’s goal four minutes from time (inset) had put Stefan Seaton’s side on the brink of victory at a packed Ballymena Showgrounds.
But within seconds, a long freekick by Will Fish caught out home keeper Connor Friel and sailed into his net for the equaliser.
However, Antrim were to have the final say with Friel redeeming himself with a save and Caolan Mcbride dispatching the decisive penalty into the top corner to ensure the famous trophy would be staying on these shores.
It represented a remarkable third Supercupni victory in four years for Co Antrim, across the two age sections.
And boss Stefan Seaton (inset) was beaming with delight once the ticker tape and cheers had dissipated.
He said: “We are a happy team. The players have acquitted themselves very well today, and I hope these players get the careers they deserve after this tournament.
“Players are being snapped up by the Leicesters, Celtics and other clubs. My players deserve recognition.
“I was pleased with the goal we scored, and with the overall performance.”
Friel redeemed himself by saving
Oen Dodgson’s opening penalty – which proved to be the only miss of the shootout.
And Seaton added:
“God love Connor. He took three steps forward and the Man United player caught it sweet.
“I just said to him afterwards, ‘Conor, you’re an eejit. let it go’. And they are all so cool. He went on to save the penalty in the shootout which has won the cup for us.
“I knew the players wouldn’t freeze. They are just such a good bunch of lads.
“So I am delighted for all of them.” Meanwhile, Co Armagh ensured a fantastic third-place finish as they thrashed Southampton in Limavady.
Liam Toman, Rhys Emerson, James Black and Jamie O’flaherty all hit the back of the net to ensure the Saints go marching home empty- handed.
Elsewhere yesterday, Club NI and Co Tyrone also made sure they finished the week with silverware in their luggage.
The IFA boys were taken all the way to a penalty shoot-out by Strikers in Broughshane but held their nerve for the win.
It was a similar story at Anderson Park where the Red Hands required spot-kicks to see off Co Londonderry after a 1-1 draw.
Rangers secured the Salver with a shootout win over Leeds United while it was also a case of pens for Plymouth as they won the Vase.
representative at the Supercupni, and we have had plenty of good players play in the tournament and move on to clubs across the water. “For us to come here, for the first time in the Minor Section, and to win it, is unbelievable.
“The back story is unbelievable - this is fairytale stuff.
“Our committee members are so proud of this team. It is a great achievement.”
There were few chances during 60 minutes of a tense final at the Coleraine Showgrounds.
Both goalkeepers had little to do, but they were soon called into action in the penalty shootout.
And the Greenisland boys held their nerve to secure a 5-4 win, with Jaydyn Withers - who finished the tournament as top scorer - bagging the decisive penalty.
It saw Greenisland add the Supercupni title to the Barcelona Cup they claimed earlier in the year in Salou.