SuperCupNI: David Healy looks on as Linfield book place in Minor Section semi-final

Linfield manager David Healy was at Coleraine's Ulster University campus to see his team's Under 13 side reach the semi-finals of the SuperCupNI's new Minor tournament.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Jul 2018, 18:08 BST
Updated 25th Jul 2018, 19:14 BST
Linfields Jake Scott and Glentorans Tony McIlhone battle for the ballLinfields Jake Scott and Glentorans Tony McIlhone battle for the ball
Linfields Jake Scott and Glentorans Tony McIlhone battle for the ball

The Blues won the Baby Big Two thanks to a stunning first-half free-kick from Dylan Rhodes. The 1-0 win over Glentoran was enough to see Linfield top their group. The Blues will now face Coleraine side Bertie Peacock Academy at Anderson Park, in today’s semi-final.

The other semi-final sees National League club Greenisland take on Portadown at Seahaven in Portstewart, guaranteeing an all-Ulster final at the Coleraine Showgrounds, tomorrow.

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Linfield coach Darren Murphy, who has recently left his post at the Irish FA as a youth coach, is delighted that Irish League clubs have returned to the SuperCupNI after an absence of almost 30 years.

Murphy said “Hopefully this is just the beginning of things to come at Minor level. There’s a really good buzz around the university campus with three games being played at the same time and it gives these young local players the opportunity to shine at the SuperCupNI.

“The Irish League clubs have competed really well against the likes of St. Johnstone and West Ham United, which shows the ability we have here.

“It’s also great for these players to play in front of good crowds. You have the likes of David Healy, Roy Carroll, Oran Kearney and Rodney McAree all down watching the games, which will be a big boost to young players.

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“I hope the SuperCupNI organisers stick with this new age group and even invite more teams for next season.”

Linfield have shown themselves to be defensively strong, winning all three group stages games 1-0.

Linfield’s semi-final opponents Bertie Peacock Academy reached the last four by being the best-placed runners-up. Yesterday, they defeated Ballinamallard United 2-0 at Ulster University’s Coleraine campus.

In the same group, Greenisland progressed to the knock-out stage by hammering Indian side Reeds 16-0. In truth, the boys have Hyderabad have struggled to compete shipping a mammoth 44 goals in their three group games.

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Greenisland will have more difficult game in the semi-finals, where they will play Portadown in Portstewart.

The Ports shocked hosts Coleraine with a 3-1 win, that was enough to see them top the group.

Premier League academy side West Ham United’s dream of winning the Minor tie ended when they lost 3-1 to Dungannon Swifts. Elsewhere, St. Johnstone beat Glenavon 2-1.

Related topics:ColeraineDavid HealyWest Ham UnitedLinfieldThe Blues