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HUGHES INSURANCE FOYLE CUP Mon 21st to Sat 26th July 2014

UNDER 13s

Northend United 7 Shankill Colts 0

Northend United 5 Institute 0

This young Northend United team loved every minute of their first foray into the Foyle Cup. Despite playing an incredible six fifty-minute matches in six days, and travelling each day to far away matches at Derry/Londonderry, Strabane, Donegal and New Buildings, Northend elected to treat this as a pre-season tournament. They were drawn in a group with Shankill Colts, Institute and Derry City Colts. They got off to a flyer with a 7 - 0 demolition job on Shankill Colts with goals from R Campbell (4), C McGarry, T Patchett and J Brady and then defeated Institute 5 - 0 with goals from C McGarry (2), R Campbell, T Patchett and R Iovu. After two great matches in searing temperatures, and with several players carrying knocks/injuries,

Northend United 1 Derry Colts 5

In their final group game, Northend took on National League A side Derry City Colts, who were supplemented by 4 unsigned players, to try and win the Foyle Cup. Northend fell short in this match to a big, strong, physical Derry City side who to their credit played some great football also. Despite two wins and one loss in the group stage, Northend's points and goal difference resulted in them qualifying for the elite competition itself, the Foyle Cup, in which the top 8 teams, out of 24 qualified. The remaining sixteen teams went into the Shield and Plate competitions. Qualifying for the elite Foyle Cup competition itself was a tremendous achievement for this young side, especially this being their first attempt at the Foyle Cup.

Unfortunately they were drawn against Donegal Schoolboys in the Foyle Cup quarter-final draw. Missing a couple of players through injury and a few others carrying knocks, Northend struggled from the first whistle against Donegal Schoolboys. Northend went on to lose this quarter-final tie by seven goals to nil. Northend were bitterly disappointed by both their performance and the result, but should be cheered somewhat that this Donegal team went on to win the elite Foyle Cup itself, easily beating National League Champions Coleraine by four goals to nil, in the semi-final.

Northend United 1 Foyle Harps 3

Northend then drew National League A side Foyle Harps for fifth/sixth play-off. Northend, with a couple players back from injury, were back to their best in this match and played some excellent football against this team. This was a great match to watch for all involved and both teams played some great attacking football, again in searing temperatures. Northend went ahead early on but conceded three 'soft goals', which Foyle Harps were extremely grateful for. Northend despite conceding easily, continued to take the game to Foyle Harps, and to their credit, attacked this team to the final whistle. Foyle Harps ran out 3 - 1 winners, but Northend had matched them for the whole fifty minutes. If they had not conceded three easy goals, they could easily ran out winners on another day.

Northend United 1 Mid Ulster Youth League 2

The sixth and final day brought the rain and a seventh/eighth play-off tie against Mid Ulster Youth League Select Team. Unfortunately for Northend the rain also brought a sub-standard referee which was a pity as the referees/linesmen in all previous matches had been both fair and excellent. Mid Ulster Youth went ahead but Northend deservedly equalised with four minutes to go. The referee allowed a ridiculous goal to stand for Mid Ulster Youth in extra-time and the match finished 1 - 2 to the opposition. Again Northend played really well in this match and there was little difference between Northend, a club side, and the best that Mid Ulster Youth league had to offer.

This game should not distract from what was an excellent first attempt at the Foyle Cup by this Northend Utd team. Despite the long travel each day, despite the searing heat each match, despite the small matter of six full games in six days, and the fact that each player was carrying an injury of some kind, the players loved every minute of this tournament.

On a special note, I would like to thank fellow coaches Brian and Mark for their help all week, Roslyn for keeping everyone sane, the parents for their support, encouragement and attending some of the matches and finally the sponsors who helped make this happen.

Panel: C Brennan, T McAuley, S Lecky, R McCluney, J Brady, T Patchett, N Craig, R Iovu, M Willighan, R Campbell, C McGarry, C Gordon, C Fullerton, P Kyle, R Jones

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