Southside snap up trophy number four

Southside Youths captain Jonathan Logan receives the Orangefield Community Cup trophy from Belfast Councillor Jim Rodgers.

The treble winners travelled with a smaller squad than normal but with the same hunger for success. Opponents in the four-team round-robin tournament were hosts Orangefield, Lisburn league team Ridgeway Rovers and Knockbreda Fc.

In the first game the boys were paired against Knockbreda and Southside took the lead through Josh McCready just before half time. Leading marksman Sam McNiece sealed the win with the second goal minutes from time.

Game two was against Ridgeway who also had won their opening match.

Southside went ahead through Josh McCready on 10 minutes and Sam McNiece made it 2-0 as half time approached.

Early in the second half Ridgeway pulled a goal back but their joy was short lived as Corey McDowell stroked home with the outside of his left boot from close range to make it 3-1 and seal win number two of the day.

In the final match Southside knew a point would be enough but such is the confidence and self belief of the team they drove forward for the win against the hosts Orangefield.

The break through came earand the decisive goal came in the second half, McNiece again turning his marker before unleashing a trade mark shot past the helpless keeper.

In the energy draining heat the boys held onto the lead and lifted the “Denis McNamara Community Cup.”

The trophy was presented by Jim Rodgers OBE the former Mayor of Belfast.

Southside’s players will enjoy the short break before pre season begins in early July.

Southside: Erwin, Kirk, Livingstone, Logan, Allen, Graham, Bonnes , McCready, Calderwood, McNiece, Corrigan, Henry, McDowell.