Linfield put their recent disappointments in the Boys’ Minor Cup Final behind them as they finally got their hands on the trophy at the Budget Energy SuperCupNI.
After losing the last two finals to Crusaders and Cliftonville, the Blues were hoping it would be a case of third time lucky when they took on Ballymena United in front of a bumper crowd at Coleraine Showgrounds on Friday morning.
Both sides needed penalties to progress past Portadown and Cliftonville in Thursday’s last-four ties, and the final was another tight affair, with Tom Lyness’ 26th-minute goal the difference between the sides in the end.
It was a cagey start to the game, with Jack Napier for Ballymena and Caleb Stewart for Linfield creating the only real openings of note in the first 20 minutes.
As they moved towards half-time, Linfield made the breakthrough, and what a strike it was. Lyness, who was also named the Sterling Insurance Player of the Match, picked up the ball outside the penalty area and let fly, beating Alex McCosh as it flew into the net.
Just before the break, Linfield carved out another half-chance when Jake Rea shot over from close range.
Lucas Henry curled an effort narrowly wide as Ballymena United went in search of an equaliser at the start of the second half before Rea drilled another shot just past the post at the other end.
Both keepers did well to deal with anything that was thrown at them, as chances were at a premium in the final quarter.
The Sky Blues rallied again near the end, but they couldn’t find a goal to deny Linfield the win, with both teams’ efforts greatly appreciated by the supporters at the end.
In the SuperCupNI 3rd/4th Place Play-off, it was last year’s winners, Cliftonville, who emerged victorious as they ran out 2-0 winners over Portadown at The Warren.
Newcomers Newell Academy secured a trophy on their tournament debut as they beat Rosario YC 3-1 in Castlerock.
Glenavon secured third place in the Globe thanks to a 1-0 win over Ross County.
Blackburn Rovers claimed the Vase thanks to a 2-0 win over Al Jazira in Kells.
Kilmarnock pipped Atlas FC to a third-place finish in the Vase after a 4-2 win in the play-off.
Surf Select will return to the US with some silverware after defeating Helsingor 2-0 in the Bowl Final.
Maiden City came out on top in the 3rd/4th Place Play-off, running out 3-1 winners against Chicago City.
Boys’ Minor Section Results (Friday 31st July 2026)
SuperCupNI Cup Final
Linfield 1-0 Ballymena United
SuperCupNI Cup 3rd/4th Place Play-off
Cliftonville 2-0 Portadown
Globe Final
Rosario YC 1-3 Newell Academy
Globe 3rd/4th Place Play-off
Ross County 0-1 Glenavon
Vase Final
Blackburn Rovers 2-0 Al Jazira
Vase 3rd/4th Place Play-off
Atlas FC 2-4 Kilmarnock
Bowl Final
Helsingor 0-2 Surf Select
Bowl 3rd/4th Place Play-off
Chicago City 1-3 Maiden City
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
