Southside clinch promotion after play-off final success

Southside Rangers who beat Braid United 5-1 in the final of the Paddy Dunlop Cup final at Ballykeel. INBT 21-170CS

The Wakehurst-based side, in their first year of adult football after a successful spell in the youth ranks, won the Ballymena Shamrocks Celtic Supporters’ Club-sponsored Paddy Dunlop Cup.

Colin Stewart’s side ran out emphatic 5-1 winners against Braid United in the final at Ballykeel.

Southside’s goals came from skipper Dylan Graham, Martin Young, Daniel Hogg, Richard Wilson and Dean Graham.

Mickey Gordon of Ballymena Shamrocks Celtic Supporters' Club presents the Paddy Dunlop Cup to Southside Rangers captain Dylan Graham after his team's win over Braid in Thursday evening's final at Ballykeel. INBT 21-172CS

The result meant there was no fairytale ending for Braid stalwart Richard McClean, who was playing his last game for the club before taking up a coaching position at Ballymena United.

As well as clinching the silverware, the play-off final victory also means that Southside gain promotion to Division Two for next season.