Northern Ireland Milk Cup 2006

In 2004 Belvedere played for the first time in the Northern Ireland Milk Cup Tournament. The then Under 17's reached the final of the Premier Section, and were unlucky to lose 3 - 1 to Scottish Premier League side, Hearts.

This year, as part of their pre-season preparations, Belvedere Under 15's, under the same management team as 2004, departed for Coleraine on Sunday morning to play in the 2006 Northern Ireland Milk Cup Tournament which took place from Monday 31st July to Friday 4th August.

Belvedere played in the Junior Section ( players born 1991 ) of the 2006 Northern Ireland Milk Cup. This tournament is considered to be one of the best underage tournaments to play in and each year attracts top teams from the U.K., Ireland, Continental Europe, North and South America, as well as teams from the Middle East, Asia and New Zealand.

The Opening Ceremony took place on Sunday 30th July at the Coleraine Showgrounds following a parade of the competing teams through the streets of the town leaving at 7pm.

Belvedere's opening match on Monday 31st July was against a County Tyrone representative side at the University of Ulster, Coleraine. Belvo produced a great team performance and were comfortable 2 - 0 winners at the final whistle.

On Tuesday Belvo lost 3 - 0 to CSK Moscow at Roe Mill in Limavady. The first half saw Belvo produce one of the best displays of football by a young team, but despite dominating the play they failed to convert some great scoring opportunities.

Belvo however, were made to pay for not converting their first half chances, because an unlikely mistake by their defence allowed the Russians in to score easily 10 minutes into the second half, followed by a second goal from the penalty spot 2 minutes later. With the result beyond doubt, CSKA Moscow scored a third goal late in the match as Belvo were caught on the break.

Three points from two matches meant Belvo didn't make the top eight and progress to the quarter-finals of the Milk Cup. Instead, Belvo would now compete for the BT Northern Ireland Trophy.

Impressive wins over a Dundalk representative side in the quarter-final and Crewe Alexandra in the semi-final sent Belvo into the final where they played Premiership side Everton. In an exciting match, Belvo scored a late winner to claim BT Northern Ireland Trophy 2006.

The Belvedere Under 15's management were very pleased with the teams' performance in the Northern Ireland Milk Cup Tournament, and it was a great achievement to win the BT Northern Ireland Trophy, considering the quality of opposition.

The Northern Ireland Milk Cup is a very well organised tournament, with excellent accommodation and restaurant facilities at the University of Ulster Coleraine. The transport provided to the matches and other functions was great and the drivers very helpful. The quality of the playing surface of all the football pitches was first class. Belvedere F.C. players, managers and parents were made really welcome at every venue we played.

Read 2006 Milk Cup match reports >>> .................................. View 2006 Milk Cup photos >>>

A full list of fixtures / results can be viewed on the N.I. Milk Cup web site http://www.nimilkcup.org/

BBC television also have set up a special web site for the 2006 N.I. Milk Cup and a full list of their coverage can be viewed on http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/milkcup

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