Away success for Northern Irish

Northern Irish representatives Eastern Region AMA are on their way to the UEFA Regions' Cup finals after triumphing in Group 4 in the Czech Republic.

Bradley winner
Harry McConkey's side beat opponents from over the water in the form of England's Isle of Man AMA in the final game to top the section with seven points from their three games. Captain Liam Bradley poached the only goal to book Eastern Region a place in this summer's finals, which will be held in Sliven and Stara Zagora in Bulgaria between 20 and 26 June.

Great start
The Northern Irish side hit the ground running in their first game, beating hosts Hradec Králove AMA 3-1. Johnny Jordan and Thomas Duffy both scored first-half goals, and although the hosts hit back through Jan Holub late in the second half, Darren Kitson grabbed a third in added time. Meanwhile, Isle of Man lost 2-1 against Bratislava AMA in their opening fixture.

Tremendous achievement

Level on points
The English representatives made amends on Matchday 2, winning 3-2 against Hradec Králove while Eastern Region were held to a 0-0 draw by Bratislava. Thus, both the Northern Irish and Slovakian sides went into the final day's action - which boasted one all-British tie and a meeting of the two halves for the former Czechoslovakia - level on points.

Hradec Králove win
Bratislava made a good start at the Trutnov Stadium, taking the lead through Patrik Kretter but the hosts came to life in response. Jakub Jarkovský had them level by the interval and Michal Kamitz's effort in the second half proved to be the winner. With Eastern Region winning 1-0 against the Isle of Man, their name will be in the pot for the finals draw in Sliven on 17 May.