Tough spot for Wee Reds

Commiserations to Cliftonville Strollers, who suffered penalty shootout heartbreak in this evening’s Harry Cavan Youth Cup Final against Ballinamallard United Under-18s.

Though they enjoyed the greater of the play throughout the 110 minutes of action at Windsor Park, the Wee Reds heaved sighs of relief when their opponents had a first-half effort cleared off the line and were denied by the woodwork after the break.

Cliftonville thought they’d won it in the final minute only for an offside flag to cut their celebrations short, while a close-range shot that came back off the inside of the post provided another indication of just how close they came to breaking the deadlock.

Unable to find a way through, the Reds were forced to settle for penalties where, despite going 1-0 up with the contest’s first kick, they would ultimately fall to a 3-1 reverse.

A tough one to take for a young Strollers team that produced a courageous display on the night, but it’s the Mallards who take the congratulations after claiming the trophy.