Liverpool FC claimed local bragging rights in Wednesday’s Super Cup NI Elite clash at a sold-out Coleraine Showgrounds.
A finely taken goal from Jayden Danns midway through the first half gave the Anfield youngsters the lead in a hotly contested clash and that was how it finished at the Merseysiders claimed a narrow 1-0 win.
Liverpool were fortunate to go in front after Kornell Misciur had made two fine stops prior to Danns’ opener, with Moorehouse then Musa forcing the ‘keeper into some saves.
After the break United made a number of changes and their best efforts came through Ethan Williams, who fired wide after a good darting run down the left hand side. Ashton Missin also blazed over with five minutes remaining after cutting in on to his left foot but under pressure his effort went over the bar.
Liverpool’s main attacking forays came courtesy of Trent Kone-Doherty, from Derry who was proving to be a menace down the left.
Liverpool will now hope to secure their second win on Friday and hope that results go their way in the other game.
Meanwhile in Ballymena, Valencia soared to the top of the table as they defeated Hertha Berlin 3-2.
The Spanish side took the lead through Alejandro Quiroz, before doubling their advantage thanks to a commanding header by Marc Ros into the Hertha net. The German outfit got a goal back before the break thanks to a stunning 20 yard strike from Lukas Michelbrink.
Valencia restored their two-goal advantage before the Germans got a goal back late on, but it was a case of too little too late as Valencia held on for all three points. Valencia now move on to a clash with Manchester United in Ballymena, while Liverpool will take on Hertha Berlin at the Coleraine Showgrounds.
Premier
Manchester United made it three wins from three in the Premier Section thanks to a 2-0 win over County Fermanagh at Coleraine Showgrounds. The young Red Devils progressed to the SuperCupNI semi-finals where they will face County Londonderry thanks to goals from Majid Balogun and Bendito Mantato.
Derry will face Manchester United in the semi-final stage despite losing 2-1 to St Kevins at the Heights.
The other game in a competitive group C saw Rangers put in a dominant display at a damp Anderson Park, winning 3-0 against County Armagh. Striker Christopher Eadie stole the show for the Gers with a brilliant hat-trick to put him firmly in the golden boot race going into tomorrow’s Globe semi-final against Japanese outfit Ichifuna.
County Antrim held on to pick up a massive point against Newcastle United, which puts them into the final four. Antrim were leading going into the break thanks to a goal by Ryan Donnelly but faced a nervous end to the game after Guy Bloomer equalised for the Geordies. Antrim needed to win after County Tyrone’s earlier 6-1 victory over American outfit Northeast Rush. A couple of braces from Brandon Downey and Sean McGinley almost put Tyrone into the SuperCupNI semi-finals but in the end it wasn’t enough and they will play in Globe on Thursday.
Mexican side Tigres will play County Antrim in the semi-finals of the SuperCupNI after winning 3-0 on Wednesday against Americans Surf Select. Gustavo Gonzalez scored his second of the week to help his side top group B.
County Down, who will take on County Tyrone, put in the performance of the day beating Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion 4-1 at Parker Avenue to leapfrog the Seagulls in group B. Troy Savage scored the pick of the goals at Portrush, cannoning a volley into the top corner from 30 yards out.
The other game in Manchester United’s group saw Japanese side Ichifuna win comprehensively for the second time in the week over Dundalk SB at Castlerock. This means the tournament regulars will play in the Globe semi-final.
Minor
Scottish giants Celtic will face Dubliners Belvedere FC after they defeated Glentoran 3-1 in their third and final group game.
The Minor section’s top goal scorer, Zion Pullan took his tally to five goals for the tournament with another one at the Showgrounds.
Belvedere topped a competitive group A with an impressive 4-2 win over Linfield to take a semi-final place away from the Belfast side. A double from Ryan O’Neill helped the Irish side finish top of their group, setting up a meeting with Celtic.
The other semi-final will be contested by Kilmarnock and Dungannon United after late drama at Castlerock. Dungannon were drawing 0-0 with American side Surf Select until the third minute of added time when Brayden McNally slotted home to cause much celebration on the pitch and on the sidelines. Surf Select will have to settle for a Globe semi-final against Linfield. Kilmarnock took on unbeaten Glenavon at the Riada complex and they edged out Glenavon in a thrilling 3-2 win, a game which also saw Kilmarnock go down to 10 men. It was a nail biting end but the Ayrshire side held on to secure their semi-final place.
Zydon Lightbourne-Furbert kept himself in the running for the golden boot in IDA Bermuda’s 3-3 draw with Warrenpoint Town with another goal.
Meanwhile, Larne were comprehensive winners against fellow Northern Irish side Ballymena United to book a place in the Vase semi-finals.
Irish outfit Finn Harps were big winners on day three, with a 5-1 win over Loughgall, thanks to two braces by Adhran McHugh and Ashton Crossan.
The final game of the Minor Section saw Coleraine draw 1-1 with Portstewart in a closely fought local derby.
Junior
Leading goalscorer at the tournament Amran Saifudden stole the show once again for West Ham United as he helped secure their place in the semi-finals.
The striker scored his second brace in as many days in a 3-1 win over County Down, to set-up an all English semi-final tie against Plymouth Argyle.
The Pilgrims themselves booked their place in the last four thanks to Jared Rendle’s third goal in three days in a 1-0 win over St Mirren at Parker Avenue.
The second semi-final is an all-county affair thanks to two second-half comebacks by Armagh and Antrim. Armagh were 1-0 down to Stevenage at the break, but a Michael Emerson brace after the interval sealed Armagh’s place in the last four. Antrim on the other hand had to come from 3-1 down against Scottish giants Rangers to progress with a 3-3 draw.
The big winners on Wednesday in the Junior Section were Prospects 2 Pro Academy who defeated County Tyrone 5-1 at Broughshane, with Zarius Watt grabbing a brace.
Charlton Athletic qualified for the Globe thanks to a 3-0 win over County Fermanagh largely due to a double from Harry Randall who kept himself in the hunt for the golden boot.
They will face fellow English side Stevenage at Broughshane on Thursday.
Girls Junior
Linfield and Surf Select booked their place in the SuperCupNI final in the Girls’ Junior Section thanks to two comprehensive wins.
The final between the Northern Irish and American side will be played at Mossley at 3pm on Friday.
The other game in the Girls’ Junior Section saw Crusaders win an all Northern Irish affair against Ballyclare Comrades at Mossley Park.
The Crues’ ran out 4-0 winners thanks to goals from Charley McMullan, Chloe Beckinsale, Grace Murray and Emilee Leacock.
The Globe final will be played between Crusaders and United States Speciality Sports Association at The Diamond, with kick-off at 11.30am on Friday.
FC America will take on Ballyclare Comrades on Friday in the Vase Final, with kick-off at 11.30am at Monkstown.
Girls Premier
Northern Ireland will play Surf Select in the Girls’ Premier Final after beating Rangers 4-0 at Dixon Park.
Goals from secured their place in the showpiece final where they will play at Dixon Park once again, with kick-off at 3pm.
Surf Select reached the final despite losing against Northeast Rush on Wednesday at Mossley.
A brace from Isabella Seibert helped the Americans qualify for the Globe semi-final where they will face Irish side Shelbourne at The Diamond, with kick-off also at 3pm.
Shelbourne failed to claim Dublin bragging rights, losing 2-0 to fellow Irish side Shamrock Rovers at Monkstown.
Rovers won thanks to goals either side of the break by Katie O’Reilly.
The Vase final will see Shamrock Rovers take on Scottish giants Rangers at Mossley, with kick-off at 11.30am on Friday.
