Glentoran u13s competed in the Foyle Cup for the second season running and again made the semi-finals only to lose to a full time academy outfit. Last season the boys crashed 3-2 to Hearts and their hearts were broken again this year, by Sheffield United this time after an agonising penalty shoot out.
The week started with a 4-1 win over Coleraine and the boys followed that up on Tuesday with a 4-0 win over Oxford. Wednesday's display had to be seen to be believed as the boys played some majestic football that had coach Chris Massey declaring it was the best he had seen in 12 years coaching at the Oval - a real compliment to the young players after a 5-1 win over North West Schools League Select.
Thursday morning brought the toughest challenge of the week so far with a Quarter Final against Brendan Keogh Youth League - an assembly of the best players County Fermanagh had to offer. The Glens were seeded number 1 for the draw but this didnt bring them any luck in the draw as the Fermanagh lads proved a tough nut to crack - goals from Redpath and two from Mullen eventually seeing the Glens through 3-1.
The Semi Finals paired the boys with Sheffield United and if the Yorkshire based club had been eliminated they really could not have complained as the Glens sparkled at the Riverside Stadium, storming into a 1-0 with a smasher from Tom Mathieson - nephew of Glentoran stalwart Andy Mathieson - the Glens continued to take the game to United, unable to make the break through for a killer second. Sheffield United equalised with their first chance of the game, a header from a corner kick, thus forcing the game to penalties where the Glens would lose 6-5.
This young side had performed superbly however with one cross channel scout describing the display as exceptional.