Glentoran enjoy big win over Sheffield United in cup

The two sides had scored over 50 goals collectively in their section matches.

On Thursday it was the Glens who progressed to the semi-final of the Hughes Insurance Foyle Cup.

The huge crowd of spectators were entertained by a high quality of football from these young skilful players.

Glentoran won the game 3-0 and have yet to concede a goal in this year’s tournament.

Derry Colts, Celtic, Crusaders, Finn Harps all progressed to the semi-finals which are scheduled for 3pm tomorrow – check www.foylecup.com for venues and updates.

Arklow Town reached the under 13 Shield final with a fantastic 3-1 victory over Derry outfit Foyle Harps.

Arklow retained possession well and were quick to attack.

They opened up the Harps defence on numerous occasions and scored a great goal after 15 minutes play.

The ball was played into the box and Leigh Hannigan turned the defender and fired home. Just before the break Arklow made it two. Kyle Nolan hit a cracking drive from 25 yards that flew into the top corner. In the second half Arklow increased their lead to three as Joe McGeary bundled the ball over the line after the Harps defence failed to clear.

Foyle Harps battled hard to get back into the game and scored through centre forward, Tiarnan McKinney.

This gave the Harps a bit of momentum but they failed to add to their score. Another bumper crowd at the Leafair venue in Derry witnessed the Donegal School Boys  produce another win and go marching on.

Carniny Youths were felled by a solitary strike by Jake Murphy. It was enough to secure the three points.

Meanwhile, a pulsating ladies final at Drumahoe on Thursday night saw the first trophy of the Hughes Insurance Foyle Cup picked up by Sion Swift ladies in a 1-0 victory over near neighbours Derry City.

A game where no quarter was neither asked nor given saw a first half dominated by the Swifts and but for some resolute defending by Derry City’s twin centre backs Shannon Dunne and Nicole McCauley coupled with excellent support from netminder Molly McBride, the Candystripes could have been two down at the interval.

Swifts captain and midfield general Kendra McMillan was superb in the centre, spraying long balls and linking well with her midfield colleagues Alana McShane and Tasmin McCarter.

A much improved Derry started well in the second period and were able to get some shots on goal but to no avail.

The winning goal came late in the second period. A long crossfield diagonal ball from the left was picked up by Sion’s Chloe McGlade who placed the resultant shot across City’s netminder Molly McBride.

Despite valiant attempts from Derry to get back into the game, the Sion ladies held out for victory and collected the first silverware of the Hughes Insurance Foyle Cup 2016.