With the SuperCup NI now over for another year, we take a look at how our teams and players got on throughout the prestigious tournament.
Our 2010/11 Girls side made history, becoming the first Women’s side to represent the club at the tournament and they certainly done everyone proud throughout the week. After losing to Surf Select in the opening group game, the girls showed their resilience, going on to win their other two group games against FC America and Linfield to finish 2nd in the group and secure their spot in the SuperCup NI final.
The side found themselves up against Surf Select once again in the final. After battling hard to keep the game at 0-0 for long periods, the pressure finally told as Surf Select scored three goals in quick succession to take home the trophy.
JUNIOR SECTION
Guesting for Rangers FC at the tournament, young defender Alfie Mulvenna was keen to show what he can do for the Glasgow giants. Pitted in Group A alongside Co. Fermanagh, St Patrick’s Athletic and FC America, Alfie’s Rangers side struggled during the group stages, winning one of their three games which led to a 3rd place finish. After the group stage, Rangers went into the SCNI Vase semi-final where they came up against familiar foes in Celtic. After an entertaining affair, Alfie’s side ended up on the wrong end of the 5-2 scoreline which then sent them to the play-off against St Francis where they ran out emphatic 9-1 winners.
Phoenix Blayney, Jude Crawford, Jamison Rainey, Finlay Millar, Callum Tweedie and Alex Kennedy all represented Co. Antrim at this year’s tournament. Placed in Group C, the side faced tests against Blackburn Rovers, DME Football and Co. Tyrone and started in thrilling fashion with a 5-4 victory over Blackburn Rovers. Following that up with a victory over Co. Tyrone and a draw with DME Football, the side finished top of the group and headed into the SuperCup NI semi-final against West Ham United. In a tense and tight affair, the match headed for penatlies after a 2-2 draw where West Ham United showed the composure to secure their place in the final at Co. Antrim’s expense. A play-off awaiting for our six representatives, where they came up against St Patrick’s Athletic and lost 3-1.
Daniel Hassim was representing Co. Down at this year’s tournament with his side up against Celtic, Charlton Athletic and Co. Armagh in Group B. Picking up two wins and a draw, Daniel’s side went unbeaten to top the group and set up a SuperCup NI semi-final against St Patrick’s Athletic. In a tense battle, Daniel’s side prevailed with a 2-1 victory t Io secure their spot in the final where they would meet Co. Antrim’s conquerors, West Ham United. Once again, the match went to penalties and once again, West Ham United showed their nerve to take home the trophy.
Zach O’Hara was called upon to represent Co. Armagh at this year’s tournament. Placed in the same group as Daniel Hassim’s Co. Down side, our two academy players met in the first group game with Daniel’s Co. Down side taking the victory. Zach’s tournament came to an early end on day two of the tournament after suffering a broken arm against Celtic. In his absence, the Co. Armagh finished 4th in the group and went into the SCNI Bowl semi-final, where they ran out 4-1 winners against Stevenage. In the final, the side met FC America and won a tense, tight battle with a 2-1 scoreline to take home the trophy.
Representing Co. Londonderry, Tomas O’Kane and his side found themselves pitted against West Ham United, Stevenage and St Francis in Group D. Picking up two victories and a defeat, Tomas’s side finished second in the group to set up a county derby against Co. Fermanagh in the SCNI Globe semi-final. Running out 3-0 winners, the side faced the challenge of Charlton Athletic in the final where they suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat.
PREMIER SECTION
Zak Robinson, Alex McAlister, Jamie McIntyre and Barry McKervey were all called upon to represent Co. Antrim at the tournament. Pitted in Group A, the side faced Middlesbrough, Co. Armagh and Shoshi. Picking up two wins and one defeat, the side secured a second-place finish in the group to confirm their spot in the SCNI Globe semi-final where they faced Co. Londonderry. Losing 2-1, a play-off against Hamilton Academical awaited for their final game of the tournament. After serious injuries to two players, the referee took the decision to abandon the match.
Alex Eakin and his Co. Armagh side enjoyed a fine tournament, going unbeaten in Group A with two wins and a draw to top the group and make it through to the SuperCup NI semi-final. Taking on Co. Down, Alex’s side continued their excellent form, picking up a 3-1 victory to secure their spot in the final. Captaining the side throughout the tournament, Alex led the side into the final as they faced Brighton & Hove Albion with the trophy on the line. After a 1-1 draw, the game headed to penalties where it was heartbreak for Alex and Co. Armagh as Brighton showed the composure to take home the trophy.
Matthew Hayman represented Co. Tyrone at this year’s tournament with the side finishing 4th in Group E picking up one win and two defeats in a group that contained Rangers, Otago and Hamilton Academical. Heading into the SCNI Bowl semi-final, Matthew’s side met Middlesborough and suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat before finishing their tournament with a 1-0 victory over Otago in the play-off.
