Two superb second half goals from striker Ethan Galbraith helped County Antrim on their way to a comfortable 3-0 win over North Dublin SL in Broughshane.
The County side started the brighter of the two teams and almost went in front as early as the third minute, only the crossbar sparing North Dublin SL’s blushes after a thunderous effort from Harry Robinson. Antrim continued to press and had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down on 16 minutes after an alleged handball in the box. The boys from Dublin took a while to settle but eventually began to threaten as the first half wore on, in particular a scooped effort from winger Reality Osuoha which nestled just over the crossbar with the goalkeeper well beaten. Sam Nugent then went on a mazy run for the Dubliners but his inch perfect cross into the box from the left was met by no one, as a superb chance went begging as the ball flashed across goal.
North Dublin SL were left to rue their first half profligacy in front of goal as Antrim stepped up a gear after the break. The first goal arrived barely a minute after the restart, an excellent cross from Matthew Shannon was missed by the Dublin goalkeeper and turned in from two yards by the well placed Antrim Harry Robinson. Galbraith then went close minutes later after another inch perfect delivery from Matthew Shannon but on this occasion the Dublin goalkeeper was on hand to produce a fine save from the Antrim striker’s bullet header. Galbraith was not to be denied for much longer however as on 52 minutes he opened his account for the afternoon with a tidy close range finish after a good save in the box.
At this stage it was one way traffic and fittingly it was Ethan Galbraith who had the final say with a strike unlikely to be matched for the rest of the tournament, a superb curling effort from the edge of the box which nestled right into the top corner and wrapped up a convincing 3-0 win for County Antrim on Day One.
Next up for the local side in their quest for Milk Cup glory is a tie with Zacatepec Selection XXI in Ballymoney tomorrow at noon, whilst North Dublin SL will hope to get their tournament hopes back on track when they travel to Portrush to take on OC Blues.
Match Report by Jordan Miller.