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U16s complete Irish Cup Hat-Trick for Academy

Wed, 18/05/2016 - 14:19

Glentoran Academy Under 16's rounded off a fantastic season in the NIBFA Cup with a thrilling 6-2 victory in the final over Newhill - sealing a third Northern Ireland Boys FA Cup triumph in a row!

The Glens, boasting three players destined for cross channel football next season in Oliver Webber, Josh Tipping and Caolan Boydmunce came into the game full of confidence but an early set back in losing influential centre half Callum Carson to illness prior to kick off meant a late reshuffle of the deck for manager Iain Dickson. This, in addition to the injuries of another two players led to Glentoran starting with two U15 players, Ethan Warnock and Sean Gallagher. 

Ethan and Sean are no strangers to Northern Ireland Cup finals anyway as Sean was playing in his fifth final for having previously played in four at his own age for Glentoran and Ethan taking part in an unprecedented seventh final having played four at his own age and also the previous two finals for this age group, all for Glentoran as well.

So into the action and after a nervy start where Newhill came flying out of the blocks and forced two great saves out of Webber in goals, however it was Glentoran who came closest in the opening ten minutes when Tipping was put through to round the keeper but the Newhill stopper done enough to force Josh too wide and from there it was impossible to finish.

Josh didn't have to wait long for another chance however and on 12 minutes he opened the scoring after latching on to a terrific through pass from playmaker Jack Henderson. Josh finished first time with the outside of his right boot to score in his second NIBFA Final for the club having previously scored in the u14 final two seasons ago.

5 minutes later it was 2-0, Tipping again the scorer with the left foot from close range this time after relentless work from Paul O'Neill in the right hand channel to hassle the full back and win possession before centring a dangerous cross for Tipping to attack.

Half time 2-0.

The Second half started with a bang as just five minutes into the second period O'Neill got his own name on the score sheet with a magnificent curling finish from the edge of the box. This was also Paul's second NIBFA Cup final scoring feat as he opened the scoring in last season's 4-2 final win over Linfield.

Next up it was Tipping again, again the beneficiary of Jack Henderson's creativity. Jack fired in a wicked cross that was met with a powerful header by Tipping for 4-0.

Moments later O'Neill made it 5 with another fine solo effort that curled into the far corner of the goal.

Newhill deservedly got on the score sheet 15 minutes from the end before Tipping restored the five goal advantage with a brilliant right foot volley from inside the box after a corner was partially cleared.

Newhill pulled another goal back with virtually the last kick of the game to leave the final score at Glentoran 6-2 Newhill and seal a third NI cup in a row for the 2000 age group and third in total this season for the Academy!

Huge congratulations to the coaching staff and players and a special mention for the 2001 born players who stepped up and performed terrifically on the night - it is worth noting that of the previous ten Northern Ireland cup finals played at the 2001 and 2000 age groups Glentoran have won seven! Simply awesome domination of this competition at these two age groups!

Goalscorers Josh Tipping x4 (left) and Paul O'Neill x2 (right)

U16s captain Ross Tharma collecting the NIBFA Cup trophy

Making their final appearances for Glentoran Academy before summer moves to England- (left to right) Oliver Webber (Crystal Palace), Caolan Boydmunce (Birmingham City), Josh Tipping (Chesterfield)

6 U15 players played up an age group, including 7 time NIBFA Cup winner with Glentoran, Ethan Warnock (holding trophy)