trophy glory

Allen Park, Antrim, was bathed in sunshine for the decider on Saturday and the standard of play from both teams matched the weather.

Glebe went in front on the 7th minute when a sweet 25 yard shot from David McVicker sailed into the top corner of the Ballyclare net.

Both teams then a had a couple of chances but good goalkeeping by ‘keeper McAllister for Ballyclare and Kane for Glebe held the scoreline until on the 25th minute a shot from Ricky McAuley wrong footed Keeper Kane in the Glebe goal putting the teams level which remained at half-time.

The second half saw no let up in the pace with both teams going for goals. Then on the 69th minute Tommy Elder controlled the ball with his back to goal before turning and scoring into the bottom corner of the Ballyclare net.

Keeper McAllister then came to Ballyclare aid with a superb save from Warren Morrison on the 77th minute. Time was then running down when on the 88th minute Keeper Brian Kane won the game for Glebe with a super save at the expense of a corner to deny Ballyclare the equaliser.

After the final whistle the League Vice Chairman Robert Fenton presented the trophy to Bertie Smyth who was coaching Glebe in his final game before retirement.

Glebe had the trophy in the bag which was on show at their celebration dinner on Saturday night.

It was some win for Glebe as in the league this year Ballyclare finished top of the table with 50pts and Glebe Reserves were bottom with 17 points.

Glebe Rangers first team had a relatively successful season by finishing in the top half of Belfast Telegraph Championship Two but it was the Reserves who brought silverware to the table.