Last Friday (7th April), our 2010 South Belfast Youth League squad made the journey over to England to compete in the annual Blackpool Cup.
The action started on Saturday morning, as our team took on Scottish outfit Drumsagard Academy in the opening game, a side who have been unbeaten in their league all season. Our 2010s showed impressive form, running out 4-1 winners and getting off to the perfect start.
The young Inver Reds fell to defeat in the second game of the day against Ballydoyle United from Ireland, conceding twice late on to lose 2-0 in what was an evenly matched contest.
In our third and final game of the day, our 2010s knew going into it that they needed a win and that victory delivered with a strong 5-0 win over another Portabello Thistle FC. The victory saw our side finish second in their group, level on points and goals, but just missing out on top spot due to the head-to-head record with Ballydoyle United.
On the Sunday, our team came up against Ridgeway from Belfast who play in the National League, falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat after a strong performance which had everything apart from a goal. With the defeat, our young Inver Reds had to settle for a play-off place at the tournament where they came up against another Northern Irish side in Cliftonville. Our side secured a great 3-1 win to finish the tournament on a high.
Overall, it was a trip and experience that our 2010 team will never forget and a massive thank you must go to all of the coaches, parents and sponsors who made it all possible.
Coach Alan Hall had this to say following last weekend’s tournament:
“I am super proud of all the boys. The preparation they put in before the tournament and the hard work and effort during the games themselves made them an absolute credit to the club both on and off the pitch.
“As a coach, all I can ask is for my young players to buy into the ‘Larne Way’ and our team continue to do that time and time again. Overall, the competition was a great experience for all involved and we can’t wait to represent the club in more competitions in the future.”
