Match Overview
The U14 teams of FDS Finland and Ballymena United faced off in the final of the Foyle Cup. Ballymena took an early lead when Lorcan Doherty headed home a cross in the 11th minute, giving the Ulster club a 1-0 advantage that they held for most of the match. The Finns, however, were not deterred and pushed forward in the closing stages.
Late Drama
In the final four minutes, Alex Eriksson netted twice for FDS Finland, first in the 86th minute and then again in the 89th, turning a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 victory. The goals came after a sustained attack from the Finnish side, with Eriksson’s second strike coming from a close-range finish that left the Ballymena defenders scrambling. The referee for the match was Robert Cooke.
Aftermath
The defeat leaves the Ballymena United U14 squad questioning what might have been. While the senior team is currently 10th in the Premiership with 34 points from 33 games, 39 points behind leaders Larne, the U14 loss is a separate setback. Ballymena’s senior side has lost its last four matches and has a 0-1-4 record in its most recent five games, having scored 39 goals and conceded 50, a goal difference of -11. The club’s senior side will look to rebound from the 3-2 loss to Crusaders FC on 25 April 2026.
Line-ups
The Ballymena United starting XI included Mason Dunlop, Finn Hudson, Shea Kennedy and Lorcan Doherty. FDS Finland’s lineup featured Leo Toppi, Alex Eriksson and Elias Nuutinen as key contributors.
Key Takeaways
FDS Finland’s late double demonstrates the resilience of the U14 side, while Ballymena United’s early dominance was undone by a swift counter-attack. The match highlighted the importance of maintaining focus until the final whistle, especially in youth competitions where momentum can shift quickly.
