Ballymena United youth boss Chris Duff is abiding by the mantra of one game at a time at this year's SuperCupNI .
The Sky Blues kicked off their Minor campaign with an impressive 4-0 win over Larne in Clough on Monday.
Goals from Ross Green, Sonny Redford, Ryan Clarke and Cody McCreight sealed the victory, completing the perfect start for Duff's side in a testing group which also includes holders Greenisland and Glenavon.
"We are delighted. The players got plenty of minutes on the pitch and we scored four goals, all from different players," Duff said.
"They executed the game plan the way we wanted them to, so we have no complaints.
"We weathered an early storm. The first 10 minutes was all about settling the nerves and not giving way cheap possession.
"We got the goal and then we built from there."
Duff added: "It is a tough group, I'd say probably the toughest group in the whole of the Minor section. But listen, we will take it.
"We have started well and now we move onto the next game.
"We don't set the players any targets, other than go out and enjoy it. These are young players, 13 coming 14 years of age. Some of them are just 12.
"Yes, we would love to win a trophy this week, but the main thing is that the kids enjoy this week and come away thinking 'I had a great time at the SuperCupNI."
Duff admits Ballymena first team manager David Jeffrey has been keeping a close eye on his young charges in the build-up to this week's SuperCupNI.
"Davy keeps a close eye on all levels of the club, and he has a big interest in this group of players," he said.
"He will be wanting some of these players to become part of his first team in years to come. That's what any club wants, to produce talent from within.
"There is a great atmosphere around the whole club right now. From Davy's first team to the youth teams.
"People want to come to the club now, whereas in years gone by they didn't."
Next up for Ballymena is a clash against holders Greenisland who suffered an opening defeat on Monday.
Stephen Gamble's side have some work to do to retain their title after losing 2-1 to Glenavon at the Riada Stadium.
Elsewhere, last year's beaten finalists Bertie Peacock Youths overcame Gentoran 2-1 at Anderson Park, while Coleraine went down 3-1 to Global Premier Soccer.
In Group A, Linfield saw off Portadown 2-0 and Finn Harps beat Ballyclare Colts 1-0.
In Group B, Dungannon Utd Youth were 2-0 winners against Ballinamallard and Beijing BFA saw off Warrenpoint 3-0.
MINOR RESULTS
Group A: Ballyclare Colts 0-1 Finn Harps; Linfield 2-0 Portadown
Group B: Dungannon Utd Youth 2-0 Ballinamallard; Warrenpoint 0-3 Beijing BFA
Group C: Glentoran 1-2 Bertie Peacock Youths; Coleraine 1-3 GPS
Group D: Ballymena Utd 4-0 Larne; Glenavon 2-1 Greenisland
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