Local teams Cliftonville and Linfield overcome fierce competition to reach the finals in gripping penalty shootouts.
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The Boys’ Budget Energy SuperCupNI brought the heat on semi-finals day, with local favorites Cliftonville and Linfield battling it out in tense penalty shootouts. The girls’ finals added even more excitement to the tournament, showcasing thrilling matches that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Cliftonville vs. Shamrock Rovers: A Battle for the Ages
In the first semi-final at Anderson Park, Cliftonville went head-to-head with Shamrock Rovers. The first half was a tightly contested affair, with neither team able to score, as a series of fouls interrupted the flow of the game.
But things took a turn for the dramatic in the second half when Rovers broke the deadlock with a stunning volley from their number 10. The ball soared past the Cliftonville goalkeeper, igniting a wave of celebration from the Dublin side.
Cliftonville wasn’t about to back down. They pushed hard for an equalizer, and in a nail-biting moment during stoppage time, they earned a penalty after a foul in the box. Under immense pressure, their number 10 stepped up and converted the spot-kick, leveling the score at 1-1 and sending the match to a shootout.
The shootout was nothing short of thrilling, with both teams showcasing impressive skill. In the end, Cliftonville emerged victorious, winning 7-6 and sending their fans into a frenzy as they advanced to the final.
Linfield’s Road to the Final
The second semi-final featured Linfield and Blackburn Rovers, and it was just as gripping. Blackburn struck first, netting two quick goals within the first 24 minutes. The first came from a sensational shot by their number 16, followed by an unfortunate own goal from the Linfield goalkeeper shortly after.
However, Linfield’s fortunes shifted ten minutes into the second half when the Blackburn keeper mishandled a corner, allowing Linfield to claw back a goal. With just two minutes left on the clock, Linfield equalized, demonstrating sheer determination and skill. The match ended 2-2, leading to yet another penalty shootout.
In this dramatic showdown, Linfield also won 7-6, with their goalkeeper emerging as the hero of the match after making a crucial save. This victory set the stage for an all-Belfast final against Cliftonville.
Girls’ Finals: A Showcase of Talent
The excitement continued with finals day for the girls’ section. The Junior final at Dixon Park featured a clash between Manchester United and the American team Surf Select. United’s Eva Bold opened the scoring with a spectacular long-range goal, setting a thrilling tone for the match.
The American side faced an uphill battle when their goalkeeper received a red card for handling the ball outside the box, leaving them down to ten players. Despite the odds, Surf Select pressed on and even hit the crossbar twice, but United managed to hold their lead at halftime.
In the second half, United took full advantage of their numerical superiority. Halle Morley and Georgie Clough each found the net, leading United to a convincing 3-0 victory and the Junior trophy.
Elsewhere, Larne triumphed in the Junior Globe Final with an exhilarating 4-3 win, while FC United defeated Crusaders 5-1 in the Vase Final, making it a day filled with incredible performances and unforgettable moments.
