Kids almost Boyce the stars!

The talented youngsters from Ballymoney Youth Academy Under-13's were up against a Coleraine FC select side in a prestigious pre-season friendly game.

And the local lads did the Toon proud, narrowly losing 6-5 in the goal-filled thriller.

The opposition was crammed with Irish League players past and present including Darren Boyce, Kyle McVey, Paul Gaston, Ryan McLaughlin, Howard Beverland and four goal hero Tommy McCallion.

Boyce and McVey netted the other goals for the visitors.

But the glamour friendly was all about the youth players who performed excellently on the day.

Danny Brown, Dano Scozarri, Brad Lyons, Josh Elliott and Lewis McIlveen - who was playing in goal! - got themselves on the scoresheet.

Ballymoney Youth Academy coach Paul Gaston was delighted with how the day went.

"It was a great day," he told Times Sport.

"All the boys played football how it should be played.

"A couple of the Coleraine boys said to me afterwards that they had really enjoyed it and that we have some proper wee players here.

"Everyone is extremely grateful to all those who helped out, turned out to support the boys and also those who laid on the fantastic hospitality. It was brilliant."

Davy Cunningham wished to congratulate Stephen McConville and Mark Lyons on making their debuts for Coleraine!