Impressive season has silver lining for Southside

Southside Youths concluded a successful first season in the South Belfast Youth League on a trophy-winning note last week.
Southside Youths players and officials pictured at the club's prize night last week.Southside Youths players and officials pictured at the club's prize night last week.
Southside Youths players and officials pictured at the club's prize night last week.

Colin Stewart’s side overcame the odds to win the SBYL Knockout Cup during the week, beating Ardoyne in the final, at Halrland & Wolf Welders’ Tillysburn Park ground.

Southside had overcome Eddie Irvines, Immaculata, Shankill and Rosario on their way to the final showdown with recent NIBFA CUp finalists Ardoyne, who were expected ato pose a real test for the Ballymena boys.

But goals from Sam McNiece and Stewart Nixon claimed a famous victory, while vice-captain Dylan Graham had the game of his life putting in an awesome display of ball winning tackles and showing a determination to win that Ardoyne could not equal. Manager Colin Stewart commented: “A cup is not just won in the final.

Southside Youths players celebrate their South Belfast Youth League Cup final success over Ardoyne last week.Southside Youths players celebrate their South Belfast Youth League Cup final success over Ardoyne last week.
Southside Youths players celebrate their South Belfast Youth League Cup final success over Ardoyne last week.

“Every player in our squad of 16 played a part in the various rounds of the competition and I am so proud of them all.

“We are the only U17 team in Ballymena to bring home a trophy this season and having played every single round of the cup away from home makes it even more remarkable,” added Stewart.

The trophy took pride of place as Southside held their annual end-of-season prize night in the Bowling Club on Friday night.

A crowd of approx 80 attended the meal and presentation of the awards.

Gary Bonnes, captain of Harryville Homers, this season’s Irish Junior Cup Winners, presented the awardsas follows:

Player Of The Year - Leon Bonnes.

Players’ Player Of The Year - Leon Bonnes.

Leading Goalscorer - David Calderwood, 41 goals.

Most Improved Player - Corey McDowell.

Clubman Of The Year - Jordan Stewart.

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