Armagh City Under-13's finished as runners-up in the George Best Community Cup today, eventually losing out 4-2 on penalties to National League side Ballywalter at the Oval. The City youths had jumped into an impressive 2-0 lead just before half-time thanks to goals from Conor Murphy and Ryan Stewart. They also had another goal disallowed by a linesman after the referee had given the goal and both teams were ready to restart. This was a strange decision that in the end would cost the young City players as their opponents turned up the pressure in the second half and got back on level terms to bring the game into extra time. Despite City going close in extra time, neither team could break the deadlock and sadly, City lost out 4-2 in the penalty shootout.

On the second day of the competition, City faced yet another Dublin side and won a tight quarter-final clash against Rangers AFC 1-0 with a Conor Murphy penalty.

The young Eagles went on to claim their place in the final with a tremendous victory over reigning champions Lourdes Celtic. The Dublin team had been tipped to hold on to their title and provided a stern challenge. After playing some excellent football and going 2-0 ahead mid-way through the second half, City had to hold off a late fightback by the defending champions but held on to complete a 2-1 win.

The team can be hugely proud of their efforts in the competition, playing without four regulars who were on holidays and having been added to the Cup as late entrants following the withdrawal of another team.

City young Northern Ireland star Andrew Hoey was named as player of the tournament which was a great honour for him and his team mates and helped to ease the pain and disappointment of losing out in the final.

SQUAD. Aaron McQuaid, S Shepherd, Andrew McMahan, Jack McMahan, Ryan Stewart, Nathan Stewart, Andrew Hoey, R Fields, C Murphy, Z Crooks, G Conlon, Gavin McQuaid, R Quinn, R McKay, C Grimley, Xavi Stockman and R Faulkner.