United youngsters beaten in Foyle Cup opener

Ballymena United under 19s were given a tough re-introduction to the Hughes Insurance Foyle Cup on Monday night.
Ballymena United.Ballymena United.
Ballymena United.

Playing in the tournament for the first time since 2012 - when they lost to Hibernian in the final - Clifford Adams’ side were beaten 6-0 by more Scottish opposition, Partick Thistle, in their opening game.

“Our young lads gave everything they had against a stronger more physical side,” said Adams.

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“Five of the Partick lads have been involved with senior team, according to their gaffer.”

The Ballymena panel has seven new faces to the team and this will be their first time playing competitively as a team but it will be a great learning curve for the youngsters.

The team consists of ten 17 year olds, two 16 years old and six 18 year olds.

This year’s team is under the guidance of new youth team manager Clifford Adams and his assistant John Clarke as well as being assisted by the team performance analyst Mark Dempster.

The United team’s remaining Foyle Cup fixtures are:

Tuesday, July 22 v Limavady (Scroggy Road 3G, 5pm); Wednesday, July 23 v Fanad Utd; Thursday and Friday to be confirmed.