Club NI beat Toulouse and Rangers in their first two games and a draw or a win against Everton would seal cup glory for the boys. It didn’t take long for them to get into their stride as they went ahead after just two minutes. Barry Beggley bent in a great cross from the left hand side and Ben Wylie headed home from close range to give Club NI a dream start.
The boys started the game really well all over the park, playing with confidence from one to eleven. McLelland and White were particularly impressive on the ball at the back, building the play patiently and impressively.
When Everton did get forward they looked a threat though. Balde and Parrott combined well a couple of times to give Club NI something to think about. It was the boys in green who made the next breakthrough though as they impressed again going forward. Jesse Carson’s shot from distance had too much power for Jack Barrett to handle and the ball dropped into the net to make it 2-0.
As Club NI were beginning to look comfortable though, Everton struck to make it 2-1 just before the end of the first period, Balde again found Parrott in the box and the big striker kept his head to finish coolly.
The second period saw Everton take a bit more control and McLelland had to be sharp early on, the centre back making an important challenge to keep the score at 2-1. Parrott was clearly the danger man for Everton up top and he came close again, heading a corner against the bar soon after.
The game was tight going into the final period and Everton needed to push for an equaliser. They did put some pressure on but Club NI stayed compact at the back and broke well on the counter. Marito Marcel was brought on for Club NI and he was just what they needed, providing real pace and skill on the breakaway.
Everton pushed further and as the game began to get stretched Club NI dealt the killer blow. Marcel broke away from an Everton corner and the ball eventually made its way to George Tipton who made no mistake with the finish. He took a touch, looked up and lofted the ball beautifully over Barrett to seal cup glory for Club NI.
The Club NI squad with the SimplyFruit Club NI International Cup
Jesse Carson, Ben Wylie and George Tipton were on the score-sheet for Club NI