With three games to go in the IFA Youth League 'A', Glentoran Colts were faced with a truly daunting task as a battle for relegation to the 'B' section was hotting up with Donegal Celtic Youth. The facts were that the Glens had to win their last three games against the top three sides in the league - Cliftonville Strollers, Linfield Rangers and Crusaders Colts - in order to stay up.
Described as 'mission impossible' by coach Michael Davis, the wee Glentoran team managed to defeat their Crues counterparts 3-1 last Saturday before edging out the Reds 1-0 the following Tuesday. Last night, as the Seconds produced their own bit of magic against Linfield Swifts, the Colts were at Danny Blanchflower Stadium knowing that their opponents Linfield had to win in order to secure the league title, whilst a victory for themselves would eradicate the threat of the drop.
Sure enough the Glens, sitting 11th and a full 28 points behind their opponents, ran out 3-2 winners after an incredible performance with Mason McSorley netting a brace and Elliott McKim scoring another. An excellent achievement for the Colts who won three games in less than a week to condemn Donegal Celtic to the drop.
Congratulations to manager Jason Cummings, his assistant William Hands and coaches Michael Davis, Mark Clougherty and Anthony Kenny as well, of course, to all of the players. Hopefully they can push on next year.