Monday 13 Jan 2025

Harry Cavan Youth Cup | Quarter-finals recap

The Harry Cavan Youth Cup is down to the last four after Larne, Glentoran, Linfield and Portadown all came through the quarter-finals at the weekend.

Holders Larne U18 continued their defence of the trophy with a 3-1 defeat of Glenavon U18 at Inver Park.

Leading at the break courtesy of a Mikey Harkin finish midway through the first half, it took two late goals in the closing 10 minutes from Daniel Gordon and Callum Cowan to see the holders safely through. Glenavon grabbed a stoppage time consolation through Luke McGerrigan.

Last season's losing finalists, Crusaders U18, saw their journey come to an end when they went down by the odd goal in three at home to Glentoran Colts on Friday night.

The Glens held the advantage at half-time after Ryan Bailie edged them in front in stoppage time, but the Crues hit back moments after the interval through Aaron Ellis.

Substitute James McClure came off the bench to knock home Glentoran's winner with just over 10 minutes remaining, although special mention has to go to keeper Milo Beimers who excelled himself with two superb penalty saves during the game!

Linfield Rangers got off to a storming start against Bangor U18 at Midgley Park with goals from Zach Anderson, Kalum Thompson and Calum Anderson helping the Blues into a three-goal lead with just over 20 minutes on the clock.

The scoring continued at pace as Thompson bagged his second on 31 minutes, followed not long after that by Anderson's second on 35 minutes before the 17-year-old grabbed his hat-trick on the stroke of half-time.

Kenzie Beattie then hit Linfield's seventh around 10 minutes into the second half to complete the scoring.

Portadown U18s complete the semi-final line-up following a two-goal defeat of Harland and Wolff Welders U18s at Brownstown Park.

Scoreless at the break, Damian Traczykowski opened the scoring on 55 minutes, with Noah Davison making sure of the outcome with three minutes remaining.