Super troupers

Congratulations to all of the Cliftonville players involved at the StatSports SuperCupNI this week.

Our Academy’s Under-13 side were unfortunate not to emerge with silverware after suffering a penalty shootout defeat to Home Farm in the Minor section’s Vase Final.

After narrow 4-3 losses to Dundalk Schoolboys League and Ballymena United either side of a 2-0 victory over Ballinamallard United in Group A, the Wee Reds claimed a 2-1 win against Larne in the semi-finals before a 1-1 draw in the decider with Home Farm, who triumphed 4-2 from the spot.

Cliftonville were also represented in the County Antrim and Down squads that contested the competition’s Premier section.

While Down finished fourth in the Globe division, Antrim – with six Reds youngsters in their panel – made it all the way to the Final where, despite two superb goals from Reds winger Sean Moore, they were beaten 4-2 by Ipswich Town at the Ballymena Showgrounds, where Solitude starlet Michael Morgan was crowned Player of the Tournament.

Josh Ness and Shane Haughey were part of the County Down squad

Antrim's Michael Morgan was named Player of the Tournament

As well as acknowledging the efforts of every Cliftonville player in action at the event, we also extend our thanks to the many coaches whose dedicated commitment is key to our Academy’s continued success.