Southside Youths show impressive form on Glasgow trip

The Southside Youths panel pictured at Ibrox Stadium during their recent trip to Glasgow.

On the day of arrival the boys came up against a Rangers Schools Academy team made up of players that are regularly training with the Glasgow giants as they continue to monitor their progress.

Played at the hugely impressive Murray Park training complex the boys enjoyed a tour of the venue before the 6pm kick off.

On the carpet like pitch the Southside boys produced an excellent performance to win 7-3.

Stewart Nixon and David Calderwood led the way with two goals apiece for the Ballymena boys, while Ryan Corrigan, Sam McNiece and Corey McDowell were also on target.

The second day of Southside’s trip began with a tour of the world famous Ibrox Stadium, during which the boys were allowed time for a kickabout on the pitch.

The second fixture of the trip was against the Jimmy Johnston Academy team who regularly reach the latter stages of the Glasgow Youth Cup Competitions and just recently had two players given full time contracts by Rangers so again another tough contest was expected.

Again, though, Southside produced another power-packed performance to defeat their illustrious opponents 6-2, helped by a sparkling hat-trick from Leon Bonnes.

Stewart Nixon, Corey McDowell and David Calderwood also got their names on the scoresheet for Colin Stewart’s side.

In both games, against two quality teams, the Ballymena boys did themselves and the club proud and both games were ideal preparation for the South Belfast Youth League Knockout Cup Final.

After the Jimmy Johnston Academy game Leon Bonnes was presented with the match ball for his hat trick by their manager - magnificent gesture.

The whole tour was a huge success and everyone associated with Southside would like to thank Glasgow Rangers Fc for organising the tour and making them welcome during the visit.

* Southside’s SBYL Knockout Cup final, due to be played last night (Monday) was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

The match will now be played next Tuesday, May 20, at Tillysburn Park, home of Harland & Wolff Welders FC.