Premier Finals Roundup (2012)

The boys from Desportivo Brasil celebrate their victory over Newcastle Utd to lift the 2012 NI Milk Cup Premier Section Trophy

Premier Finals Roundup (2012)

This Milk Cup has been one of shocks and upsets but there was no stopping much-fancied Desportivo Brasil from lifting the Premier Section title.

They overwhelmed a hitherto impressive Newcastle United side with three second half goals.

Losing coach Dave Watson held his hands up afterwards, saying: “It was the fifth game in as many days and it maybe took its toll in the final.

“We came up against a very good side and we didn’t play as well as we can.

“However, it’s been a great experience for us and we’ll look back and learn from it so that’s what the tournament is all about.

“Technically Desportivo were very good, we just weren’t up to it but it wasn’t a lack of effort that cost us.”

Desportivo were sent on their way to victory by a player who is very much on the radar of Manchester United.

Bruno Conceicao, has been a regular visitor to Old Trafford to train with the Red Devils and allow Sir Alex Ferguson to see him at close quarters.

He will have done his reputation no harm at this year’s tournament, netting six times in just five outings and just one behind the golden boot winner Zach Clough, of Bolton Wanderers.

The second goal was added by substitute Aguilar Oliveira, with both goals relying on the creativity of flying winger Yan Oliveira.

A minute from time fellow substitute Caio Ramalho prodded home the final goal of this year’s Milk Cup.

Newcastle, who had manager Alan Pardew and Peter Beardsley there to rule their eye over the youngsters,  were more than a useful outfit but lacked the cutting edge of their South American rivals.

Desportivo had the ball in the net after 20 minutes, however Artur Bonaldo had goalkeeper Fred Woodman in the net with it and the effort was ruled out for a foul.

Bonaldo tested Woodman with a header once again six minutes later, this time from Yan Oliveira’s teasing from, but again Woodman was equal to the effort.

Oliveira had the best opportunity of the half four minutes before the break as he picked up a crossfield ball and bore down on goal.

Despite showing a clean pair of heels his tame effort left him down as Woodman was able to gather easily.

Nine minutes into the second half and the Newcastle backline was finally unlocked.

Yan Oliveira produced some neat trickery on the right flank to create time and space for cross and it was met by Bruno Conceicao who headed in for his fifth goal of the week.

Eleven minutes from time the issue was put beyond doubt when the Brazilians doubled their lead.

Substitute Aguilar Oliveira was in the right place at the right time to rifle in at the back post, after yet more good work from namesake Yan Oliveira.

In the closing stages of the game Ramalho finised at the second attempt from close range after a fine through ball from Bonaldo sent him clear.

Bolton bounced back from their defeat to Newcastle to finish third in the competition, running out 3-1 winners over Cherry Orchard yesterday afternoon.

Jack Bayley was on the scoresheet for the Dubliners, but he could do little about  Zach Clough’s slick treble – taking his tally to seven for the week.

Down enjoyed trophy success as they lifted the Vase title at the expense of Russian giants CSKA Moscow.

Conor McMenamin’s brace was supplemented by TJ Murray’s fourth goal of the week as the game ended 3-3 in normal time.

Down triumphed 4-2 on penalties with Patrick Bradley firing home the winning spot kick.

Manchester United, so often in the final themselves, had a less successful this week, but finished with a win.

Their opposition was the same as it was for the opening day, County Tyrone, however this time the Old Trafford side rand out as winners – but only just.

Aaron Patterson and Sammy McKelvey’s goals for Tyrone were cancelled out by Sam Byrne and Andreas Pereira ‘s strikes to force a penalty shoot-out, with United triumphing 4-2 on penalties.

Elsewhere Antrim ended the week with some silverware as they collected the Bowl honours, defeating Mexican side Pachuca in Limavady, Peter Bell and John Donnelly were on the scoresheet for Antrim.