County Down to face Serie B Select in SuperCupNI Premier Section final

County Down reached the final of SuperCupNI for the first time in their history thanks to an impressive win over Mexicans Club America.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Jul 2018, 23:13 BST
Updated 27th Jul 2018, 00:34 BST
County Down players celebrate after it to this year's finalCounty Down players celebrate after it to this year's final
County Down players celebrate after it to this year's final

The county side will now play Italian side Serie B Select in tonight’s Premier section final at the Ballymena Showgrounds.

Down manager John Bailie said, “We drew with Newcastle on Monday and were 2-0 down at half-time on Tuesday to Ichifuna.

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“No one at half-time on Tuesday would have guessed that we be in the final on Friday night.

“But I’ve always had faith in these kids. It’s the best group I’ve had with County Down in ten years of coming here.

“They’ve also embraced the tournament and embraced what we’re trying to do.

“What they’ve put in over these last four games has been phenomenal.

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“We’ve had six or seven weeks working together and the kids have responded well.

“We will not treat the final any differently from the other games.

“We tell the boys to go and express themselves and not fear defeat. When you scared to lose, that’s when you’re in diffs.

“They need to go out and enjoy the final, as it’s a special occasion.

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“I’m sure Serie B will move the ball well and they will be a slick passing side, but we’re a good team too.

“Dave Watson of Newcastle was very complimentary on Monday night.

“To score 10 goals in four games against tough opposition demonstrates our quality.”

Down took a hard-earned lead in the 23rd minute after Linfield Rangers star Ethan Wynne was fouled inside the area.

Wynne stepped up to the mark and converted the penalty.

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Bailie’s boys scored again late in the second half. Linfield’s Ruari O’Hare made it 2-0, sparking wild celebrations at Ballymoney’s Riada Stadium.

At Scroggy Road in Limavady, Italian side Serie B select defeated Brazilians GO Audux 2-1.

Iannone Carmine and Magri Giulio scored for Serie B, while Chady Sousa De Santana scored for the Brazilians. Both GO Audax’s Marcio Gleyson Leite De Silva and Serie B’s Fabio Rossi were red carded.

The final will be played at the Ballymena Showgrounds tonight, with kick-off at 7pm. The game will be streamed live on the BBC website