COUNTY ANTRIM: Cormac Lawlor, Christopher Crane, Liam McKenna, Kevin Cunningham, Christopher Gallagher, Stephen Mallon, Matthew Lynch, Thomas Roscoe, Jack McCourt, Callan McCredie, Michael Brady.
CORINTHIANS: Guilherme, Luquinha, Maicon, Franklin, Roni, Lugano, Caio, Felipe, Ze, Fabricio, Bilu.
Corinthians won the Junior Section of the 2014 Dale Farm Milk Cup with a fine performance to see off a plucky County Antrim side in the 4pm kick off at Ballymena Showgrounds.
Watch BBC Sport NI highlights of Co. Antrim v SC Corinthians here
The first half was one way traffic, with Corinthians forwards Bilu, Fabricio and Ze combining on several occasions to devastating effect. On 13 minutes, for the second time in as many days, Fabricio found the back of the net with a free kick from long range. Roni was next to threaten, but Antrim goalkeeper Michael Brady was equal to his powerful effort. On 19 minutes, Ze, showed exquisite skill to drive through the County Antrim defence but the big number nine couldn’t direct his effort goalwards.
Soon afterwards a superb goal line clearance from Antrim defender Liam McKenna denied a seemingly certain second goal for Corinthians, Roni’s effort was hacked off the line after Bilu’s pile driver had proved too hot to handle for Michael Brady. The County side would surely only weather the storm for so long and so it proved on 27 minutes when Bilu cut in from the right and unleashed a stunning effort straight into the top corner, doubling his side’s advantage in the progress. Caio then went close with a long range effort as the Brazilian side sought to extend their lead as half time approached.
Antrim came out the stronger of the two sides at the beginning of the second period but struggled to break down the resolute Corinthians defence. A fine free kick from substitutive Dylan Davidson forced a good stop out of Guilherme in the opposition goal but otherwise the local side failed to threaten.
Corinthians gradually began to reassert their authority and despite being booked moments earlier, Fabricio went close again with a trademark free kick on 44 minutes.In control of both possession and the scoreline, the Brazilian side were content to sit on their lead for the rest of the game and ensure the Milk Cup Junior Section trophy was on its way to South America. Considered by many to be THE impressive side of the whole tournament, few would begrudge Corinthians their status as worthy winners.
Report by Jordan Miller.