The Budget Energy SuperCupNI boys’ Premier section unfolded with intense anticipation in round three, promising a spectacle of youth football talent. A particular highlight drawing a substantial crowd was the evening kick-off between giants Manchester United and the determined Co Tyrone in Group C, a fixture that captured the imagination of many.
From the outset, Manchester United asserted control, dictating play with extensive possession at the packed Riada Stadium. However, their dominance in territory yielded few clear-cut opportunities against a highly organised Co Tyrone side, whose primary strategy revolved around a robust defence and swift counter-attacks.
Co Tyrone’s disciplined approach nearly paid dividends early in the second half. Just two minutes into the period, the impressive Jamie Stewart surged towards the United box, demonstrating the threat of their counter-attacking style. His promising run was, however, expertly intercepted by a United defender, who decisively cleared the danger.
The latter stages of the match proved to be a rather subdued affair, with Manchester United continuing to dominate possession but struggling to truly test the Co Tyrone goalkeeper. Even the introduction of striker Kai Rooney couldn’t break the deadlock, as the game ultimately remained goalless. In the group’s parallel fixture, Rangers maintained their impressive week with a 2-0 win over West Cork, though this secured them second place behind United on goal difference.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Co Down showcased exceptional form, extending their winning streak to three consecutive victories to emphatically top Group A. Their compelling 2-1 triumph over Co Armagh, secured by crucial goals from Eoghan McInerney and Fintan McArdle, cemented their place in the prestigious cup semi-finals, marking a significant achievement in the youth football competition.
In Group D, Co Antrim demonstrated commendable resilience, holding strong for a hard-fought 1-1 draw against a formidable Southampton side. Despite their valiant effort, it was the Saints who ultimately claimed the top spot in the group, ensuring their progression to the cup semi-finals alongside Antrim, setting the stage for more exciting clashes.
The Junior section also delivered thrilling football encounters. Co Antrim continued their dominant run, securing their third win from three matches by topping their standings with an impressive 5-2 victory against Charlton Athletic. Michael Mulholland’s influential performance, capped by his fourth goal for Co Antrim, highlighted their attacking prowess. Co Armagh also progressed to the semi-finals after topping their group with a 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers, while Celtic advanced after a 4-2 win against Chicago City.
Further Junior section action saw Co Down defeat West Ham United 2-1, narrowly missing out on qualification, with St Pat’s Athletic topping their group on goal difference. In the Minor section, Cliftonville secured top spot in Group C despite a heavy 5-1 defeat to Leeds United. Coleraine also narrowly missed out on progression, despite defeating Bermuda 3-1, as Blackburn Rovers topped Group D.
The round culminated with a series of high-scoring and competitive matches across all sections, underscoring the fierce competition at the SuperCupNI. Notable results included Celtic’s commanding 9-0 victory over Co Fermanagh, Rangers’ solid 2-0 win against West Cork Academy, and Intercontinental FA’s decisive 4-0 triumph over Brighton and Hove Albion, highlighting the diverse range of talent and intense football action on display throughout the tournament.
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