Manchester United’s U16s were held to a frustrating draw on Wednesday night in the third and final group game at this summer’s Super Cup NI.
After two impressive wins to start the tournament, Manchester United had a tougher task on Wednesday against County Antrim, who were themselves on two game winning run.
United started the tournament with a 2-0 win over International FA on Monday. This was then followed up by United’s 3-0 thrashing of Rangers on Tuesday.
Antrim proved to be more competitive, with United only able to claim a 1-1 draw. Here is what happened in the game.
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Manchester United v Intercontinental FA: Super Cup NI - Boys Premier
Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
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Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
Ben Lyne scores as Manchester United miss out on Super Cup semi-final
At the Super Cup NI, Ben Lyne has been United’s standout performer, and that continued against Antrim as he scored in the 22nd minute of the game for an early lead.
This was the Irishman’s third of the tournament as he continued his flawless 10/10 campaign.
But it wasn’t enough for the three points as Antrim got one back through a United own goal, which was really unfortunate as a clearance hit another defender and went in.
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From then on, Antrim were out to hold onto this point, knowing it was enough for them to top the group.
Jaice Dore hit the crossbar, and Mane Soares had a golden chance, which he put over the bar. Antrim did well defensively despite deploying some dark arts to slow the game down and stop United’s talented forwards.
The final whistle went, and the crowd in Ballymoney, Antrim, celebrated as if the draw was a win as they head into the Super Cup semi-finals. Leaving United in the second-tier knockout stage for the Globe trophy.
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How does the Super Cup NI work, and who could United face
Despite not topping the group, United’s tournament isn’t over.
By coming second, United are in the Super Cup NI Globe knockout stage, which is a four-team bracket of the runners-up from each group.
SuperCupNI: Winner in each group.
SCNI Globe: Second place in each group.
SCNI Vase: Third place in each group.
SCNI Bowl: Fourth place in each group.
So, based on standings, this means that United will go into a four-way bracket with the following:
Manchester United
Sunderland
County Down
Southampton/Tigres UANL
United will be hoping to beat any of these opponents and win the Globe on Friday.
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