County Antrim produced one of the standout performances of the opening day as they swept aside Rangers 3-0 to launch their Boys’ Premier campaign in style at the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI.
The county side, three-time Boys’ Junior champions, delivered an accomplished display in front of a packed Coleraine Showgrounds to secure a deserved victory over the Scottish giants and lay down an early marker in this year’s competition.
Rangers, who are chasing their first Boys’ Premier title since 1992, struggled to contain a lively County Antrim side that dictated proceedings from the outset.
The hosts threatened inside 11 minutes when Eoin Harden attempted to catch Igor Mames off his line, only for his ambitious effort to drift onto the roof of the net.
County Antrim’s bright start was rewarded eight minutes later. Oscar Spence won possession high up the pitch before driving into space and delivering a pinpoint low cross for Padai O’Kane, who calmly swept his finish into the bottom-left corner.
O’Kane almost doubled the lead before the interval after turning sharply inside the box, but Mames reacted well to parry his effort before producing another excellent stop to deny Harden from the rebound. Luca Lavery, arriving from right-back, could only drag the loose ball wide.
The pressure eventually told five minutes after the restart. Mames could only push JB Camlin’s curling effort into the path of O’Kane, who reacted quickest to tap home from a tight angle and claim his second goal of the afternoon.
County Antrim put the contest beyond doubt just two minutes later as substitute Camlin capitalised on a loose ball, rounded the advancing goalkeeper and calmly slotted into the empty net to spark celebrations among the home support.
Rangers searched for a way back into the contest but found County Antrim’s well-organised defence impossible to break down as the hosts sealed an impressive clean sheet and three valuable opening-day points.
Defending champions Southampton also made a winning start, edging past County Londonderry 2-1 at Seahaven.
Charlie Scorer and Louix Quinn gave the Saints a two-goal advantage before the break, but County Londonderry responded after half-time through Lukas Doherty. Despite a spirited finish, they were unable to find an equaliser.
Seven-time Boys’ Premier champions Manchester United opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Intercontinental FA at Limavady Showgrounds.
Last year’s runners-up took the lead through Jaice Dore before Angus Murdock sealed the victory in the second half.
Right to Dream marked their return to the Budget Energy SuperCupNI with an impressive 4-0 victory over Derby County in Broughshane.
Playing in the tournament for the first time since 2019, the Ghana-based academy side cruised to victory thanks to goals from Lasse Gernaey, Novak Aletic and Yaya Sidibe.
Tournament newcomers Iconz Elite earned a creditable point on debut after holding Tigres UANL to a goalless draw at The Ropewalk.
There was also a memorable return for Kamimura Gakuen, who celebrated their first appearance at the tournament in 27 years with a convincing 3-0 victory over Sunderland.
County Down enjoyed local bragging rights with a 3-0 win over County Tyrone at the Riada Stadium. Michael Temetan and Cillian Murray were on target, while an own goal from Eoghan Kelly completed the scoring.
Meanwhile, County Fermanagh came out on top in another all-county encounter, edging County Armagh 3-2 in an entertaining five-goal thriller.
Boys’ Premier Results (Monday 27 July)
- Tigres UANL 0-0 Iconz Elite
- Kamimura Gakuen 3-0 Sunderland
- County Londonderry 1-2 Southampton
- County Fermanagh 3-2 County Armagh
- Right to Dream 4-0 Derby County
- County Antrim 3-0 Rangers
- County Tyrone 0-3 County Down
- Intercontinental FA 0-2 Manchester United
For more information on the Budget Energy SuperCupNI, visit www.supercupni.com
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For further information please contact:
AY.
Russell Lever
Mob: 07841676976
Email: russell@ay.studio
