Girls Academy: Trophy triumph

Congratulations to Cliftonville Girls Under 10s, who lifted the SBYL Cup at Blanchflower Stadium on Sunday.

After a cagey goalless draw with Killyleagh, during which Holly Saunders came closest to breaking the deadlock with an effort that struck a post, the Reds emerged victorious in the shootout, where goalkeeper Paige Cosgrove made two saves and Clodagh Dorrian had the honour of stroking home the winning kick.

As well as saluting the efforts of the players, all at the Club also applaud the contribution of coaching team Johnsy McCrea, Donnamarie McAreavey and Gordon Johnston, who take great pride in overseeing such a talented young team.

Due to adverse weather conditions, the Cup Final was one of just two Academy fixtures to take place over the course of the past week; the other seeing Michaela Cummings hit a hat-trick alongside goals from Riona Brennan (2), Aliyah Conlon, Erin Murray and Abi Curley in the Under 13s’ encounter with St Malachy’s Boys.