SPOT-ON RESULT

Amateur boys win a game of two halves in sudden death penalties

undoing as keeper Ryan Walsh strained his groin. The injury left him powerless to prevent a headed goal from the Scots to equalise.

Game management then became important as the Amateur League tentatively probed for a goal but kept a firm eye on the defence as Trainor urged his players to “look after the house”.

The game went straight to a penalty shoot-out. Joe Mcneill’s kick was saved. The Scots missed their first. Aidan Mcneill, Nathan Jones, Cockcroft and Mckee all scored and the Scots missed their last kick to ensure the Rosebowl would be on the journey back home.

Man of the match was Cockcroft, but there were big performances from Daryl Evans and Ross Mccaughran too but, truth be told, everyone gave their all.

A special mention must go to Ryan Walsh who came on as sub in goals, strained his groin and battled through to the end.

Trainor (above) said: “Our boys played them off the park in the first half after a long season which has been mentally and physically hard.

“The Scots came back really strong in the second half. I thought we might have won it near the death but I’m proud that the boys had the mentality to see the game to the end.

“It was a fantastic weekend and the committee supported us really well. These are the top players from the Amateur League and the quality keeps getting better with Larne Tech and Killyleagh YC coming into the Premier Division next year. My thanks go to my coaching staff for their hard work in preparing the team so well.”