Club NI in pole position after win over Co Londonderry in SuperCup
By Hannah Kirkpatrick reporting from the SuperCupNI at the north coast
County Londonderry suffered a 2-0 defeat against a committed Club NI side on Tuesday night at a packed out Anderson Park, Coleraine.
Derry went into the Junior Section game on a high after a great opening win on Monday night, beating Manchester United 2-1.
However, a series of missed chances last night means they have to beat Rangers tonight (Wednesday) to have any chance of progressing to the semi-finals.
The game sprang in to life 20 minutes in. Matthew Carson whipped a fine ball to the back post, which was met by Josh Rooney. Rooney moved the ball back across the area, leaving Callum Marshall to poke the ball home.
Just four minutes later it was 2-0. A Club NI corner kick caused mayhem in the Londonderry box and the referee spotted an infringement.
Charlie Lindsay stepped up and calmly secured the second goal of the night.
Half time came and went and the Derry side came out with a fighting attitude, Derry pushed forward at will but strong defending from Club NI and inspirational goalkeeping from McDowell saw Club NI stand strong and claim their first win of the group and assert their influence at the top of Group A.
Assistant coach from Club NI, Conor Loughery described their game against United as "huge" and added:
"They are preparing for Manchester United first and foremost," he added.
Club NI now move on to an intriguing clash with Manchester United at Seahaven on Wednesday, in Portstewart, while Londonderry will entertain Rangers at the Coleraine Showgrounds.