Hancock wins cup for 'Stute

INSTITUTE'S Under 12 completed a memorable season when they defeated their counterparts from Coleraine, to secure the NWCDY Under 12 League Cup.

Played in glorious conditions at the Limavady Showgrounds on Saturday morning, a sizeable crowd turned up to watch the boys' final, including former Northern Ireland and Middlesbrough goalkeeper Jim Platt, Steven Robinson IFA Coach and Andy Alcorn Chairman of the NWCDYL.

The Bannsiders started the brighter and within five minutes Curtis Rodgers broke free only to be brought down on the edge of the box. The resulting free kick saw Allister Platt hit the post, however the rebound fell to Rodgers who slotted the ball home for Coleraine to take the lead.

Coleraine should have doubled their advantage soon after only to be stopped by Nathan Gartside in the 'Stute goal.

Just before the break a super through ball by Andrew Spratt released Jacob Dougherty but the keeper saved from close range.

The second half saw Institute's young midfield of Jack McIntyre, Harper and Cameron Hancock start to pass the ball about with more accuracy and authority.

They should have levelled things when McIntyre fed TommyLee Deighan who eased past the full back and put in a wonderful cross only for Dougherty to volley wide.

Mark Woods also threatened the Coleraine defence with his power and speed. A key moment in the game came half way threw the second half when the Institute keeper Nathan Gartside made a wonder save to deny Curtis Rodgers.

'Stute pushed on for the equaliser and with only five minutes remaining Jack McIntyre put in a fine cross for the lively Matthew Brown to flick the ball calmly past the Coleraine keeper to level things.

A further ten minutes each way of extra time was needed and 'Stute should have scored in the first period when Matthew Lynch latched onto a pass from Ryan Henry only to hit wide.

With only two minutes remaining and everybody ready for the dreaded penalties but 'Stute's Hancock showed a piece of brilliance. The ball came in from the right wing, Hancock controlled it and hit a superb shot on the turn into the bottom corner to secure the cup.

Matthew Alford Institute Under 12 captain was presented with the trophy by former Northern Ireland international keeper Jim Platt.