Saturday's Junior Roundup (2012)

Saturday's Junior Roundup (2012)

There was a Merseyside double on the first day of the Milk Cup Junior Section.

Old rivals Liverpool and Everton are both competing for the underage title and disposed of county sides in the opening fixtures.

The Anfield youngsters were every bit as impressive as expected as they made their long-awaited return to the tournament, in Greenisland yesterday.

Harry Wilson was the star of the show for Liverpool and it was his double blast that had them two goals to the good after just 18 minutes and they repeated the feat after the break.

Ojo Oluwaseyi  pounced on a defensive error to add number three and Jack Hutchins got on to the end of Wilson’s defence-splitting pass to add goal number four.

The double-header of games, with the Antrim Premier side later taking on Benfica attracted around a 1,000 strong crowd.

Liverpool coach Gary Lewis was more than satisfied with his side’s first day’s work: “It was a good start to the tournament for us obviously.

“Antrim are a good side as well and they tried to play football the right way so it made for a great match.

“Since we got off plane at the City Airport, the hospitality of the people, the organisation and the facilities at Greenisland has been superb.

“We’ve got the first game under our belts and each day is it a bit of the unknown because we haven’t seen the opposition before.

“These boys go to a lot of tournaments throughout the year and it’s important for their development.

“This is a real tournament for them to come to now, playing one game each day and it’s all about developing them as players.

“We’re looking forward to the parade on Sunday now and ceremony – we’ve heard a lot about it and I’m sure it’ll be a great experience.”

Holders Everton, meanwhile, got off to the ideal start with a hard fought 2-1 win Down at Comber Rec.

Michael Johnston found the net for the home side, but strikes from John Kenny and George Newell had the Toffees ahead at full-time.

Fermanagh were the pick of the county Junior sides on day one delivering a knockout blow to Mexican outfit Cruz Azul.

They suffered an early setback but Ciaran Smith’s brace either side of the break sent them on their way to a 2-1 at Ferney Park.

Their boss Gerry Love was understandably elated afterwards: “I’m absolutely delighted, playing at home and having that advantage on day one.

“We were a little nervous in the first 10 or 15 minutes and it maybe took us a while to get into the game.

“It was important to not let them play their game and I thought we took control of the game in the second half.

“The facilities and pitch at Ferney is immaculate and to get the win it in front of our home fans of friends and family meant the world.”

Co Armagh came within a whisker of a famous result when they raced into a two goal first half lead against Russian giants CSKA Moscow.

Shane Conaty and Andrew Hoey game Armagh the dream start but CSKA showed their pedigree after the break.

Egor Lelyukhin netted a brace for the Muscovites, one from the penalty spot, to ensure a share of the spoils.

It was a losing start on day one for the Londonderry boys as Londoners Brentford ran out 2-0 winners in Limavady.