County Antrim has etched its name into the annals of SuperCupNI history, securing a triumphant victory in the Junior section against formidable rivals County Armagh, a success that truly highlights the spirit of youth football in Northern Ireland.

Manager Gary Chisholm, beaming with pride, was quick to commend his dedicated players, acknowledging their unwavering commitment and the essential support from their families. This collective effort was clearly the bedrock of their remarkable journey through the prestigious SuperCupNI tournament.

The path to the final was certainly not without its drama, with both County Antrim and County Armagh demonstrating their offensive prowess by collectively scoring eight goals in their respective semi-finals. This set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown at The Showgrounds, promising an exhilarating display of talent.

Despite the goal-laden semi-finals, the final’s first half proved to be a cagey affair, with both teams effectively cancelling each other out. This tactical battle underscored the high stakes involved and the disciplined defensive efforts from both sides, preventing any early breakthroughs.

As the game progressed, County Armagh refused to capitulate, showcasing immense resilience and determination. Alfie Davidson’s late goal injected a surge of hope, dramatically setting up a tense finale and putting immense pressure on their Antrim counterparts.

However, despite the late scare, County Antrim displayed remarkable composure and resolve, successfully holding off Armagh’s spirited pursuit of an equaliser. Their steadfast defense in the dying moments ultimately secured a narrow but deserved 2-1 victory, cementing their place as Junior Tournament champions.

Reflecting on the achievement, Chisholm expressed profound satisfaction, stating, “This year the squad has given us sort of what we were looking for I suppose and made County Antrim proud.” This sentiment underscores the fulfillment of their season-long efforts and the immense pride they brought to their county.

The manager also extended significant respect to County Armagh for their exceptional performance and their journey to the final. He noted, ‘I have to give a bit to County Armagh in a huge respect to getting to where they got to and I think that showcases Northern Ireland football that two counties can get to the final with all the big teams that were there,’ highlighting the quality of Northern Ireland Soccer.

Chisholm was keen to emphasize that their success transcended the five days of on-pitch action, signifying a deeper commitment and a testament to sustained hard work and dedication. This victory symbolizes not just a sporting triumph, but a culmination of persistent effort and a testament to genuine team success.