Release Date: 28/07/2010

NORTHERN Ireland kept their sights on an unprecedented third successive Milk Cup success following a thumping 5-0 defeat of China at Ballymoney’s Riada Stadium.

Steve Beaglehole’s side now face the USA in Friday night’s final at the Ballymena Showgrounds (6pm).

Knowing that nothing less than a comprehensive win was in order to stand any chance of making the decider it took Northern Ireland until 11 minutes before the break to open the scoring when James Gray converted from the spot after William Grigg had been upended by Ma Chongchong. 

Grigg doubled the lead four minutes later with a stunning right-foot volley into the top corner before Gray added a third before half-time with a header over ‘keeper Don Jianhong. 

Johhny Gorman – part of Nigel Worthington’s plans for the senior friendly in Montenegro in early August – made it 4-0 with a simple back post tap in after Jianhong failed to deal with a Dean Jarvis cross from the left. 

And it was 5-0 on 73 minutes courtesy of Shane Ferguson who curled a low free-kick around the wall from just outside the area after Gorman had been brought down to win the set piece. 

The United States booked their place in Friday’s final after a 3-2 defeat of Denmark in Coleraine while Mexico recorded a 3-1 victory over Japan.

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