FOOTBALL: Coleraine Academy players enjoy Foyle Cup

The U10’s beat Oxford Sunnyside 4-0 on their first day but on the Wednesday they suffered a defeat, 4-0 against Derry & District but a win against Buncrana Hearts of 2-1. The team now entered the Plate and enjoyed a 3-0 win over local team Tristar Yths but the Ballymena side of Carniny Yths proved a difficult obstacle.

After a 1-1 draw penalties ensued with Carniny the victors, just. On the final day the boys lost out to Finn Harps 3-0 for fourth place in the Plate. The coach and team would like to thank their Sponsors Nevin Electrics.

The U11 team on their first day defeated Hearts FC 4-1, who eventually ended the competition as Cup finalists. Day two and the boys beat Shankill Yths and Culmore FC by a comfortable margin. Thursday and again the young Bannsiders won 2-1 against Hillsborough Boys but became unstuck when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Dungannon Yths. The Coleraine side had been 2-0 down but clawed their way back for the draw. They then lost out 3-2 on penalties. The team ended in 3rd place in the Cup after they beat Derry & District 4-0 on the final day.

The U12’s suffered defeats to Lucan Utd and Finn Harps on the first two days. On Thursday they drew 2-2 with Armagh City entering the squad into the Shield competition. The boys had been 2-0 up but in a mad final three minutes they conceded two goals. The boys lost 4-0 to a strong Ballinamallard in the Q/F of the Shield but then faced Armagh again, this time the team kept their cool and ran out 3-0 victors.

The U14’s did not have the luck of the Irish during the week playing Donegal Schoolboys, Maiden City and Celtic FC at The Brandywell, all games lost. They entered The Vase and faced Ballymoney Utd who proved too strong. On the final day they faced Shankill Juniors and finished in fourth place in The Vase. The boys would like to thank their Sponsors DeWalt and CP Hire, Coleraine.

The U16’s played their first game at Prehen against Hillsborough Boys. After going one up early on injury to two Coleraine players late in the game disrupted their momentum. Hillsborough capitalised and scored twice. Next up St Oliver Plunkett’s on Wednesday and a 1-0 win. Thursday and it was Everton America, they boys lost 4-0.

The team were in The Rosebowl and faced Mid-Ulster FA in a semi-final. Winning 3-1 the team secured a Rosebowl final against NECSL at Nelson Drive, sadly they did not win but as like the rest of the teams enjoyed the experience of this great tournament.

The Academy would like to place on record all those who helped in any way including the players, supporters and coaches.