In one of the games of the day, Antrim put on a fine second-half showing as they came from behind to record a vital victory against Shoshi FC of Japan. In a highly competitive first period there was little to choose between the sides as most of the action was within midfield where the tackles were flying in and the aerial duels were highly combative. It was the Japanese side that broke the deadlock when a cross was parried by the Antrim ‘keeper straight into the path of Sochi number ten Yu Takita who controlled neatly and finished swiftly with the laces to grab the opener.
Despite this setback, Antrim continued to show dominance down the wings and when they won a free-kick out wide it was up to Alex Watson to curl in a pristine free from the left and the Shoshi ‘keeper was powerless to stop the ball finding the top right corner as the goal was passionately celebrated by the midfield man who punched the air in delight. The game was played at a frantic pace and it was there for the taking for either side in the second but Antrim forward Madden was on hand to produce a moment of quality in a tight-knit game when he worked a one-two off his team-mate at the edge of the box and curled a beautiful side foot effort past the despairing dive of the Shoshi ‘keeper to make it 2-1 and Antrim defended bravely as they held off a late Japanese rally to claim a vital three points. In the other group A game, Middlesbrough were 2-0 up but a late rally from County Armagh saw the Orchard outfit claim a point.
In Group C, County Down continued their 100% record with a 3-0 win against Barca Academy Dubai and in the other game Toluca missed a late penalty as West Cork bounced back from a heavy defeat on day claim a point in a game which finished scoreless at Castlerock. In Group D, Intercontinental FA are top of the table after a 2-0 win against County Fermanagh. Manchester United were unable to capitalise on their fine win on Monday as Skouted held them to a 2-2 draw at the Coleraine Showgrounds.
English Premier League outfit Brighton and Hove Albion recorded consecutive victories in the Premier section after a fine win over Inter CT at Scroggy Road. In the other Group B game County Londonderry bounced back from defeat to the Seagulls on day one and they ran out 4-0 winners against Irish regulars Dundalk Schoolboys League. Rangers stuttered to a 0-0 draw against Otago from New Zealand at Seahaven on Tuesday night.
Alexander Smith was the star of the show but the playmaker was unable to find the net as a resolute Otago held on for a fine win. Meanwhile in the Heights, Hamilton Accies went into the game buoyant after a fine win on day one but it was County Tyrone who triumphed with Brandon Downey grabbing a hat-trick as Tyrone claimed an upset to put them back into contention in Group E. In the Junior section, 2023 runner-up Antrim came out on the better end of a nine-goal thriller in Broughshane.
Both Jude Crawford for Antrim and Xavier Nosegbe of Blackburn helped themselves to two goals each in a pulsating affair that was decided by a single goal in a 5-4 thriller, with two of Antrim’s goals coming right at the death. It was a decidedly less dramatic affair but still heralded an abundance of goals as Tyrone were comprehensive winners against DME from America. One of the standout results of the day saw Fermanagh defeated Rangers 2-1 in front of a huge crowd at Bushmills with goals from Jay Ely and Kacper Ferens sealing a famous win.
There was also defeat for the other half of the Old Firm, with Charlton impressing as they defeated Celtic 3-0. There were also wins for Down in an Ulster derby against Armagh, St Patrick’s Athletic against FC America and 2023 winners West Ham, who defeated Londonderry. Meanwhile, Stevenage and St Francis from Dublin played out a pulsating 2-2 draw.
In the Minor section, Glenavon and Stevenage played out a thriller as they shared six goals. It was Kudzai Mawele who took home the match ball by contributing with a hat-trick in a back-and-forth affair with two of his goals coming in the 47th and 52nd minutes. Continuing with the stream of high scoring occasions.
Crusaders produced an unstoppable attacking display as they blew Coleraine away with a hat-trick from Michael Mulholland and two from Finn Hegarty in a 9-1 win against the Bannsiders. Celtic proved too strong much for their American rivals as they blew away the USSSA select side 5-2. Jude Colhoun grabbed a brace whilst Jaden Nish came off the bench to contribute with the final goal in what was a comprehensive display from the Glaswegians.
Elsewhere Cliftonville were 4-2 winners against Ballymena United, Plymouth Argyle edged past IDA Bermuda, Kilmarnock triumphed against Surf Select and Loughgall downed Glentoran. Linfield were also big winners on day one, as they defeated Scottish newcomers Ross County 3-1. The girls’ section of SuperCupNI saw three Premier League giants taking to the fields around Antrim and Newtownabbey.
In the Premier section, reigning champions Northern Ireland defeated last minute replacements Athlone Town at Dixon Park, the Danielle McDowell-Tuffey’s side running out 5-1 winners against a spirited and hard-working Athlone outfit. In the other Group B match at Chimney Corner, Wolves drew with Galway United. Galway took the lead on the 53rd minute with a strike from Katie Barrett, but that lead lasted a mere 60 seconds with Holly Appleby equalising and that was how the game ended.
In Group A, Premier League giants Aston Villa were held to a 2-2 draw by Surf Select at Mossley. While in Rathcoole, Manchester United marked their debut in the girls’ section with a 3-0 win with Pixie Bradley grabbing a brace and Poppy Holt also in on the goalscoring action. In the Junior section, there were one win for Northern Irish sides and two victories for American regulars.
Surf Select were 3-1 victors against Larne at Dixon Park, while the South Belfast YL select were 5-1 winners against Crusaders at Rathcoole. FC America were also comprehensive winners as they saw of Linfield at Mossley..
