CLANDEBOYE Park in Bangor was the scene for celebrations, several days before the home side gained promotion to the Northern Ireland Football League’s Premiership tier.
On April 11, the senior team from Glastry College etched their names into school footballing history when they secured their first piece of silverware in over eight years with a breathtaking 4-3 extra-time victory over a resilient Bangor Academy in the North Down League final at Clandeboye.
In a match that swung back and forth with dramatic twists until the very last kick, Glastry emerged victorious, sending their excellent support into delirium.
The encounter began at a frenetic pace, with Bangor Academy drawing first blood, sending a hush over the Glastry faithful. However, Glastry, spurred on by their lively supporters, responded emphatically. The equalizer arrived courtesy of a moment of brilliance from captain R Quinn, who stepped up to react first and strike the ball into the back of the net, sparking scenes of wild jubilation amongst the Glastry support. Undeterred, Bangor Academy showed their mettle, regaining the lead and putting Glastry under immense pressure.
The remainder of normal time saw a determined Glastry side throw everything at their opponents in search of an equaliser. Their persistence paid off in the most dramatic fashion imaginable. With what seemed like the final attack of the game, J Murphy stepped up to slot the ball into the back of the net, forcing the game into extra time. The atmosphere at Clandeboye Park was electric, the Glastry faithful ecstatic as their late heroics kept their dreams alive.
The momentum appeared to have shifted, and Glastry carried their late surge into extra time. The crucial go-ahead goal, making it 3-2 to Glastry, came from a moment of brilliance from E Boyle, finishing off a well-worked corner routine that the team had diligently practiced on the training pitch in the lead-up to this final. E Boyle who was deservedly named Man of the Match for his tireless performance and crucial interventions throughout the game.
However, Bangor Academy refused to surrender. With just five minutes remaining in extra time, they found an equalizer, setting up a grandstand finish. With penalties looming, destiny had one final twist in store at Clandeboye Park. Incredibly, captain R Quinn once again rose to the occasion. With the last kick of the game, he slotted home the winning goal, sending the Glastry players and supporters into absolute pandemonium. The final whistle blew immediately after, confirming Glastry College as the North Down League champions on the hallowed turf of Clandeboye Park. The scenes that followed were ones of pure elation. Glastry supporters, who had been in magnificent voice throughout the entire match at Clandeboye Park, erupted in joyous celebration as they ran onto the pitch to greet the newly crowned champions.
This hard-fought victory marks a significant milestone for Glastry College football, ending a eight-year wait for silverware and filling everyone associated with the school with immense pride.
