International News

NI retain Lynne Nicholson Trophy

Jersey v Northern Ireland

Under 18 International

5 February 2020

Jersey	0	v	3	Northern Ireland
				Trai Hume 50, 90 mins
				James Teelan 53 mins
Wednesday 5 February 2020	St Helier			Kick Off 7.45 pm

The Northern Ireland Schools Under 18 team retained the Lynne Nicholson Trophy with a convincing 3-0 victory over Jersey at the Springfield Stadium.

There was little between the teams in the opening period with defences on top although the visitors missed a golden opportunity to break the deadlock on 39 minutes. James Teelan cleverly won the ball on the half way line and sent James Clarke racing clear. The winger looked certain to score but with only the keeper to beat his shot was deflected just past the post.

Two quick goals after the interval put Northern Ireland in command. On 50 minutes a clumsy challenge by Ben Le Rougetel sent Trai Hume tumbling in the box and the Northern Ireland skipper picked himself up to plant the spot kick into the corner of the net.

Three minutes later Teelan doubled the lead winning the ball inside his own half and outpacing the home defence before lobbing the advancing keeper.

Hume completed the scoring with the final kick of the match when a thunderous drive from 30 yards flew into the roof of the net giving the keeper no chance.

NORTHERN IRELAND

David Walsh, Corai Quinn, Callum McVeigh, Shea Conway, Dylan Snoddon, Trai Hume (c), Jamal Tavares, Odhran Casey, James Teelan, James Clarke, Peter McKiernan

SUBSTITUTIONS

Joshua Archer replaced Clarke 58 minutes

Pierce Quigley replaced Tavares 63 minutes

John McGivern replaced Quinn 76 minutes

Peter Bell replaced Teelan 81 minutes

February 6, 2020
Published in U18 centenary shield
Written by Ross Redman

NI retain Lynne Nicholson Trophy

Jersey v Northern Ireland

Under 18 International

5 February 2020

Jersey	0	v	3	Northern Ireland
				Trai Hume 50, 90 mins
				James Teelan 53 mins
Wednesday 5 February 2020	St Helier			Kick Off 7.45 pm

The Northern Ireland Schools Under 18 team retained the Lynne Nicholson Trophy with a convincing 3-0 victory over Jersey at the Springfield Stadium.

Three minutes later Teelan doubled the lead winning the ball inside his own half and outpacing the home defence before lobbing the advancing keeper.

Hume completed the scoring with the final kick of the match when a thunderous drive from 30 yards flew into the roof of the net giving the keeper no chance.

NORTHERN IRELAND

SUBSTITUTIONS

Joshua Archer replaced Clarke 58 minutes

Pierce Quigley replaced Tavares 63 minutes

John McGivern replaced Quinn 76 minutes

Peter Bell replaced Teelan 81 minutes

February 6, 2020
Published in U18 centenary shield
Written by Ross Redman

U18's defeat Jersey in International Friendly

Jersey v Northern Ireland

Under 18 International

3 February 2020

Jersey	1	v	4	Northern Ireland
Sol Solomon 72 mins				Pierce Quigley 16 mins
				Jamal Tavares 41 mins
				Trai Hume 65 mins
				Corai Quinn 74 mins
Monday 3 February 2020	St Helier			Kick Off 7.45 pm

The Northern Ireland Schools Under 18 team maintained their 100 per cent record with a convincing 4-1 victory over Jersey at the Springfield Stadium.

After a spell of prolonged pressure the visitors opened the scoring on 16 minutes when Peter McKiernan found Pierce Quigley and the striker neatly lobbed the advancing keeper.

Just before the break Jamal Tavares doubled the lead. Jersey keeper Luke Duncan palmed away a fierce shot by Trai Hume but Tavares reacted quickly to blast the ball into the roof of the net.

On the hour McKiernan shot just wide following good work by Corai Quinn. McKieran was a constant threat to the home defence and soon afterwards Hume increased the lead latching onto an inch perfect pass from the winger.

Jersey reduced the lead in controversial circumstances when John McGivern was adjudged to have handled the ball and Sol Solomon made no mistake with the spot kick.

Quinn completed the scoring when he netted with a low right foot shot into the corner of the net following a string run down the right.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Oisin Gibson, Corai Quinn, Callum McVeigh, Trai Hume (c), Jamal Tavares, Pierce Quigley, Joshua Archer, Peter Bell, Jack Deveney, John McGivern, Peter McKiernan

SUBSTITUTIONS

Odhran Casey replaced Deveney 52 minutes

James Teelan replaced Quigley 63 minutes

Dylan Snoddon replaced Quinn 76 minutes

Shea Conway replaced |McKiernan 76 minutes

February 4, 2020
Published in U18 centenary shield
Written by Ross Redman

U16's defeat Poland in International Friendly

Northern Ireland U16 team defeats Poland

The Northern Ireland Under 16 team recorded the first win over Poland at this level since 2003 when two goals from Jonny Evans secured a 2-1 win. Gerard Lyttle's boys maintained their unbeaten run this season and they did it the hard way by coming from behind to defeat a strong Polish side by the same scoreline at Shamrock Park.

The home team began strongly with Connor Scannell and Conor Falls causing problems down the flanks. Despite the strong pressure from Northern Ireland in the early stages it was the visitors who opened the scoring against the run of play after 18 minutes. Mateusz Lipp met a corner on the right with a strong header which was blocked on the line by Michael Forbes but the rebound came back to the tall defender who volleyed home from close range.

Soon afterwards Conor Falls did well to hold off a challenge from two defenders but Polish keeper Oliwier Zych got down well to his left to keep out his low drive.

On 28 minutes Jake Wallace made a great run down the right but his cross was just too high for the inrushing Scannell.

Poland were always dangerous on the counterattack and Kacper Duda pounced upon slackness in the home defence but dragged his shot wide with only the keeper to beat.

Northern Ireland made a sensational start to the second half and drew level inside the first minute as Polish centre back Radosław Seweryś deflected a low cross into his own net. Five minutes later Northern Ireland took the lead. A free kick from the left by Matthew Carson was headed back across goal by Michael Forbes and Jamie Donley was quick to react, forcing the ball in from six yards.

Poland responded well to this reverse and launched a series of attacks. Northern Ireland keeper Alex Henderson was in constant action producing an excellent save to keep out a fierce drive by Iwo Kaczmarski. In the closing stages Poland pressed strongly in search of an equaliser but found it difficult to break down a staunch defence in which Forbes and substitute Aidan Lillis stood out.

The teams meet again at The Oval on Wednesday night, kick off 7.00 pm and Northern Ireland will be hoping to maintain their unbeaten record this season before they set off next week to defend the Victory Shield in Wrexham against Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

Northern Ireland

Alex Henderson, Jake Wallace, Matthew Carson, Michael Forbes, Josh Roney, Harry Wilson, Brodie Spencer, Jamie McDonnell (C), Jamie Donley, Conor Scannell, Conor Falls

Substitutes

Charlie Lindsay replaced Spencer (45 minutes)

Jacson Coppack replaced Falls (45 minutes)

Callam Marshall replaced McDonnell (65 minutes)

Aidan Lillis replaced Roney (65 minutes)

Lewis Tosh replaced Donley (72 minutes)

October 15, 2019
Published in U16 victory shield
Written by Ross Redman

Northern Ireland’s U16s hit five against Estonia’s

Northern Ireland’s U16s hit five against Estonia’s U16s in their second challenge match of the week against the Estonians.

After registering a comfortable 2-0 win in game one the U16s followed it up with a fine display and a 5-2 victory in an entertaining game at Stangmore Park in Dungannon.

Gerard Lyttle’s team got off to a great start with Charlie Lindsay netting from 10 yards with only four minutes on the clock.

Northern Ireland then went close several times before Bobby Deane doubled the lead on 20 minutes, tapping in from close range following a goalmouth scramble.

On the half-hour mark Andreas Vaher was narrowly off target as the visitors came more into the game.

Estonian centre forward Romet Kaupmees was a constant threat and was rewarded for his hard work in the 36^thminute. He took advantage of slackness in the Northern Ireland defence when he intercepted a poor back pass to drill the ball home.

Shortly after the interval Lindsay restored the two-goal advantage with another fine strike. And then on 58 minutes Estonian centre back Ants Virkus put through his own goal under pressure from Conor Scannell.

Estonian striker Nikita Kondratski showed a fine turn of speed on 67 minutes to outpace two Northern Ireland defenders and slot the ball just inside the post, giving substitute keeper Matthew Williamson no chance.

However, just a minute later Northern Ireland captain Michael Forbes met a corner from the right to power a header into the roof of the net to leave the final score at 5-2.

The Northern Ireland U16 Schoolboys will travel to Finland next month for two challenge games and will then play Poland at home on Monday 14 October and Wednesday 16 October in preparation for the defence of the Victory Shield in Wales at the end of October.

Northern Ireland U16s:Billy McDowell (replaced by Matthew Williamson 52’), Jake Wallace, Bobby Deane (Callan Devlin 40’), Michael Forbes (captain), Josh Roney (Ruairi McConville 40’), Harry Wilson (Ethan Sousa 57’), Conor Scannell, Jamie McDonnell (Lewis Tosh 40’), Brodie Spencer (Cameron Crook 57’), Charlie Lindsay, Elliott Wood (Conor Falls 57’).

Main image: Northern Ireland's Bobby Deane celebrates scoring against Estonia during Wednesday nights Under 16 Invitational International at Stangmore Park, Dungannon. Photo: William Cherry/Presseye

September 2, 2019
Published in U16 victory shield
Written by Ross Redman

NI U16 start campaign with win

Northern Ireland’s U16s registered a comfortable 2-0 victory against Estonia’s U16s in the first of two challenge matches against the Estonians this week.

Gerard Lyttle’s team began strongly in the game at Knockbreda, with Charlie Lindsay in particular causing problems for the visitors with his pace down the right wing.

Estonian keeper Kaupo Kruusmäe initially kept the U16 Schoolboys at bay, producing good saves to deny Harry Wilson and Jamie McDonnell.

But his resistance crumbled on 27 minutes as Lindsay carved open the Estonian defence and his low cross was tapped in by Brodie Spencer from close range to put Northern Ireland one up.

Seven minutes later Northern Ireland captain Jamie McDonnell doubled the lead with a wonderful strike. The talented midfielder picked the ball up 25 yards from goal and fired an unstoppable shot past Kruusmäe into the roof of the net.

On the stroke of half-time Estonia missed a great chance to reduce the deficit when Gregor Lehtmets was brought down inside the box. The striker took the spot kick himself but Billy McDowell produced a great save low to his left to keep the ball out.

After the break Northern Ireland continued to press but it was Estonia who came closest to scoring when Romet Kaupmees broke through but his shot was cleared off the line by Michael Forbes.

In the closing stages Kruusmäe produced another outstanding save to keep out a fierce drive from Elliott Wood.

The two games against Estonia are kick-starting preparations for the Victory Shield in November when the Northern Ireland U16 Schoolboys will be looking to retain the trophy.

The teams meet again at Stangmore Park in Dungannon tomorrow (21 August). Kick-off time is 7 pm.

Northern Ireland U16s: Billy McDowell, Jake Wallace, Bobby Deane (replaced by Lewis Tosh 52’), Michael Forbes, Josh Roney (Ruairi McConville 61’), Harry Wilson, Conor Scannell (Elliott Wood 52’), Jamie McDonnell (captain), Brodie Spencer, Charlie Lindsay (Ethan Sousa 61’), Cameron Crook (Callan Devlin 52’).

Substitutes: (not used) Matthew Williamson, Callum Marshall.

September 2, 2019
Published in U16 victory shield
Written by Ross Redman

U16's earn draw in Poland

Under 16s draw in Poland

Buoyed by their success in capturing the Victory Shield one week ago the Northern Ireland Under 16 team began their short tour to Poland in confident mood despite facing an experienced Polish team which had lost only once in ten outings this year..

The visitors started brightly and might have taken the lead after 5 minutes. Sean McAllister was brought down just outside the penalty area and took the free kick himself, bringing an outstanding save from Krzysztof Barkowski.

Five minutes later Poland replied with a speculative shot from Aleksander Buksa which dipped just over the bar.

A corner by Conor Bradley caused problems in the home defence and Charlie Allen's close range effort was cleared off the line. Allen then outpaced his marker down the right and a low cross was turned onto the post by Dale Taylor.

After the break another foray down the right saw Allen fire a low ball across the goal but Taylor was just unable to apply the finishing touch.

Buksa was a constant threat for Poland and the tall striker almost broke the deadlock midway through the second half but his shot from 25 yards crashed against the bar with Conner Byrne well beaten.

In the closing stages spurred on by a vociferous support Poland piled on the pressure but the Northern Ireland defence, in which centre back Shea Charles was a calming influence, held firm for a well deserved draw.

The teams meet again on Thursday at Swarzędz.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Conner Byrne, Sean McAllister, Sean Stewart, Aaron Donnelly, Shea Charles, Orrin McLaughlin, Charlie Allen, Jonah Heron, Dale Taylor, Isaac Price, Conor Bradley (captain)

Substitutes

Caolan McBride (replaced Bradley 80 + 3 minutes)

November 27, 2018
Published in U16 victory shield
Written by Ross Redman

NI Claim Victory Shield

Northern Ireland’s U16 Schoolboys defeated Wales 3-1 in Tralee this afternoon to claim the Victory Shield for only the second time in the country’s history.

Orrin McLaughlin, Vicky Saldanha and Euan Williams (penalty) scored the goals that created history for Declan Boyle’s team.

A 1-1 draw against Scotland on Wednesday night meant a win against Wales this afternoon would see them lift the trophy for the first time since 2000-01 when a certain Steven Davis was part of the squad.

Northern Ireland defeated the Republic of Ireland 3-1 in their first game in the tournament on Monday.

November 22, 2018
Published in U16 victory shield
Written by Ross Redman

NI still undefeated in Victory Shield

Victory Shield U 16 Tournament Tralee Co. Kerry. Match 2 Northern Ireland v Scotland Mounthawk Park, Wednesday 14 November 2018. KO 6 pm.

Brave Northern Ireland stay top of the Victory Shield table after a battling 1-1 draw with Scotland despite playing with ten men from the 30 th minute of the opening half.

Scotland took the lead after 20 min. with a goal from striker Christopher Mochrie who beat Conner Byrne at his near post with a clinical finish. Northern Ireland suffered a set back on the half hour when Sean McAllister received a second yellow card.

On resumption in the second half substitute Charlie Allen went close with a low left foot shot which was just inches wide. In the 50th min substitute Euan Williams brilliantly cut inside his marker from the right before unleashing an unstoppable shot low to the keeper’s left.

Two minutes later Ross McCausland almost gave Northern Ireland the lead when he shot across the keeper, but it just drifted wide of the left hand post. On the hour Scotland’s Alex Lowry spurned a good chance when he shot wide from inside the box.

Northern Ireland’s defence was outstanding against late Scottish pressure, but on the counterattack Northern Ireland looked threatening and Dale Taylor raced through the heart of the Scottish defence, but his pass to McCausland was slightly overhit.

Despite 5 added minutes in driving rain Scotland could not breach a solid Northern Ireland rearguard in which centre backs Lewis MacKinnon & Aaron Donnelly were outstanding.

Northern Ireland can now go on & win the Victory Shield by beating Wales on Friday.

Overall a tremendous team display by the Northern Ireland heroes. Manager Gerald Boyle ‘’ Delighted with the performances of all the boys and how they adapted tactically to Scotland’s setup, especially going down to ten men, so early in the game. Very proud, however, we want to push on and bring the Victory Shield home outright for only the second time in 73 years. ‘’

November 15, 2018
Published in U16 victory shield
Written by Ross Redman

U16's defeat Victory shield holder in opener

Northern Ireland’s Schoolboys got their 2018 Victory Shield campaign off to a flying start with a fine win against their counterparts in the Republic of Ireland.

Two late goals helped them ease past the Republic, the current shield holders, on a 3-1 scoreline in Co Kerry.

This year’s Under-16 Schoolboys’ competition is being organised by the Football Association of Ireland’s Schools department on behalf of the Schools’ Association Football International Board.

The first half of the game, which was played at Mounthawk Park in Tralee last night, was pretty even, although Northern Ireland shaded it in terms of possession.

Both sides had opportunities before the first clearcut chance fell to Republic striker Oliver O’Neill but he directed a cross from Lee Harkin over the bar.

Then Republic midfielder Ben McCormack smashed a shot against the post before striker Louie Barry’s long range effort was palmed away superbly by Northern Ireland keeper Conner Byrne on 32 minutes.

After the break, however, Northern Ireland started to get a grip on proceedings and they deservedly took the lead on 62 minutes when Linfield attacker Ross McCausland drilled the ball into the net from just outside the area.

The Republic drew level just a minute later when O’Neill pounced on a mistake by a defender and slammed the ball home.

The home side pushed forward – cheered on by a 500-strong crowd – but Northern Ireland launched a superb counter attack on 85 minutes which resulted in them taking the lead. Following a flowing move substitute Ciaran McGuckin (Rotherham United) was on hand to stroke the ball into the corner of the net.

And St Oliver Plunkett player Sean Stewart put the icing on the cake in stoppage time with another lovely finish.

The Victory Shield was presented to SAFIB in 1947 to mark, as suggested by its title, victory by the Allies in World War II - and has been played for continuously since then. England have not entered for the past few years, so Northern Ireland’s U16s are facing Wales, Scotland and the Republic in the 2018 tournament this week.

Northern Ireland will be hoping to produce another positive display in their second game in the competition, which is against Scotland at Mounthawk tomorrow (14 November, 18.00). Their final game is also at Mounthawk on Friday when they take on Wales (13.00).

Northern Ireland Schoolboys team v Republic of Ireland: Conner Byrne, Sean Stewart, Aaron Donnelly, Lewis MacKinnon, Orrin McLaughlin, Conor Bradley (captain), Charlie Allen, Dale Taylor (Ciaran McGuckin 70’), Euan Williams (Caolan McBride 62’), Ross McCausland, Vicky Saldanha (Sean McAllister 70’).

November 15, 2018
Published in U16 victory shield
Written by Ross Redman

More...

16's perform strongly against Finland

Northern Ireland U16s head coach Declan Devine has praised his players for “performing to a very high standard” against Finland’s U16s.

The U16 Schoolboys side faced the Finns in two challenge matches over a three-day period – and Devine said he had taken “a lot of positives” from the games. Two almost completely different squads were chosen for the encounters in Belfast and Dungannon. In the first game last week the Schoolboys were beaten 3-1 by the Finns, however the matchday two squad ran out 2-1 winners after a pulsating contest.

“We had something like 29 players to choose from. This is a very strong age group for us and the idea was to give the kids a platform to play on and to give them a taste of international football. It was a very worthwhile exercise,” said the U16s manager. “We actually played much better in the first game. We hit the woodwork a few times but we were wasteful in front of goal,” he added.

The Finns, who defeated Sweden twice last month, snatched two late goals to record a 3-1 victory in game one at New Midgley Park.A defensive lapse allowed Casper Terho to open the scoring for Finland with a close range finish after 12 minutes. Despite the early setback Northern Ireland controlled the play, twice hitting the woodwork, but could not get the goal their dominance deserved. After the break Northern Ireland continued to press and were rewarded on 53 minutes when centre forward Dale Taylor netted with a low drive.

Soon afterwards Conor Bradley broke through and with only the keeper to beat was brought down by Mika Koskela, who was fortunate to only receive a yellow card. Lewis McKinnon took the spot-kick but saw Finnish keeper Mathias Aahlblas pull off a great save, diving low to his right to turn the shot past the upright. The Finns then pushed forward and Kai Meriluoto glided past two defenders to finish with a low shot just inside the post. With four minutes remaining Terho extended the visitors’ lead, cutting in from the left and unleashing a fierce drive which gave Conner Byrne no chance.

In the second game, played at Dungannon’s Stangmore Park, Northern Ireland got off to a great start when Dale Taylor broke through the Finnish defence in the seventh minute and slotted the ball home. Then Charlie Lindsay saw a fine volley from the edge of the area come back off the underside of the bar before Charlie Allen, fed by Jamie McDonald, fired over from 20 yards. And just before the break Orrin McLaughlin shot wide when well placed. After the restart the Finns came flying out of the traps and drew level when Denis Cukici netted from close range. Both teams then threw everything into attack in front of a sizeable crowd at Stangmore Park. It became an end to end contest.

Kai Meriluoto broke through and looked certain to score but was denied by a great tackle by Lewis McKinnon. At the other end Caolan McBride was just off target with a right foot volley and minutes later his shot from the edge of the area brought a great save from Elmo Henriksson. With time running out and a draw looking imminent Ross McCausland produced a stunning strike to secure victory for Northern Ireland. The winger picked the ball up on the left and cut inside before unleashing a piledriver into the corner of the net.

Northern Ireland U16 squad for game one v Finland (in Belfast): Conner Byrne, Cameron Stewart, Sean Stewart, Matthew Walker, Vicky Saldanha, Sean McAllister, Orrin McLaughlin, Connor Bradley, Ross McCausland, Dale Taylor, Oisin Gibson, Jamal Tavares, Aaron Donnelly, Charlie Lindsay, Caolan McBride, Jamie McDonald, Matty Lusty.

Northern Ireland U16 squad for game two v Finland (in Dungannon): Conor Manderson, Harry Wylie, Josh Roney, Lewis McKinnon, Aaron Donnelly, Caolan McBride, Charlie Lindsay, Charlie Allen, Reece Doyle, James Clark, Lewis Robertson, Nathan Copeland, Stephen McGuinness, Sean McAllister, Orrin McLaughlin, Connor Bradley, Harry Wilson, Terry Devlin.

September 25, 2018
Published in U16 victory shield
Written by Ross Redman

U16's welcome Finland for international friendlies

The Northern Ireland U16 team will kick off their season with two home friendlies against Finland this week. These international friendlies will be the only home matches for the team before the Victory Shield in November with the squad playing two away fixtures in Estonia in October.

Manager Declan Devine has selected two squads for the games to give the players the opportunity to stake a place in the Victory Shield Squad “ These games are a fantastic opportunity for our players to test themselves against a very high level of opposition and gives this age group a first taste of international football in preparation for the prestigious Victory Shield tournament . I would like to thank NISFA and the Irish FA for the work they do in providing these level of games for our talented young players. We hope this year’s squad can continue in the standards set by last year’s players and hopefully we have players playing this week that may continue to develop in to potential stars of the future”.

Tuesday 18^th September
New Midgley Park
Belfast
7.00pm Kick off

Thursday 20^th September
Stangmore Park, Dungannon
7.00pm Kick off

The Northern Ireland Squad’s:

Tuesday 18^th September Thursday 20^th September

Connor Byrne Conor Manderson

Cameron Stewart Harry Wylie

Sean Stewart Josh Roney

Matthew Walker Lewis McKinnon

Vicky Saldanha Aaron Donnelly

Sean McAllister Caolan McBride

Orrin McLaughlin Charlie Lindsey

Connor Bradley Charlie Allen

Ross McCausland Reece Doyle

Dale Taylor James Clark

Oisin Gibson Lewis Robertson

Jamal Tavares Nathan Copeland

Aaron Donnelly Stephen McGuinness

Charlie Lindsey Sean McAllister

Caolan McBride Orrin McLaughlin

Jamie McDonald Connor Bradley

Matty Lusty Harry Wilson

Terry Devlin

September 17, 2018
Published in U16 victory shield
Written by Ross Redman

U18 top centenary shield with England win

The Northern Ireland U18 team finished their centenary shield campaign with a convincing win over England at Queens Dub. The team up to this game was unbeaten drawing all three of their games against Scotland, Wales and Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland got off to a great start when Adam Carroll scored with a looping header into the top corner after 10 minutes. England tried to respond straight from kick off and had a great opportunity when they were awarded a penalty 2 minutes later.

The Northern Ireland goalkeeper Declan Dunne was to be the hero diving low to his right to make a fantastic save. Northern Ireland doubled their lead shortly after when Andrew Scotts corner evaded everyone to nestle into the corner of the goal to make it 2-0. Adam Carroll was to threaten again when his low strike beat the English keeper but was superbly cleared off the line. Northern Ireland made it 3 late into the half when Jack O’Mahony picked up the ball in the England half beat two players and slotted the ball past the keeper.

There were many changes for both teams in the second half that halted the flow of the game. Jack O’Mahony thought that he had doubled his tally for the day when he flicked an Andrew Scott corner onto the top of the crossbar. England pulled a goal back in the second period however Northern Ireland comfortably ran out winners in the game and placed themselves on top of the table at this stage.

Full Time: Northern Ireland 3-1 England

Northern Ireland U18 Team: Declan Dunne, Caolin Coyle, Aaron Donnelly, Ruari O'Hare, Donal Rocks, Adam Carroll, Patrick Burns, Jack Henderson, Jack O'Mahony, Andrew Scott, Pablo Andrade

April 9, 2018
Published in U18 centenary shield
Written by Ross Redman

Schoolboys set to begin Centenary shield campaign

The Northern Ireland Under-18 Schoolboys’ team are set to get their 2018 Centenary Shield campaign under way in Scotland this evening.

The U18s, who are current joint-holders of the trophy with England, will be taking on the Scots at New Western Park in Renfrew (7.00).

The game had been due to be played at Greenock Morton’s Cappielow ground but the recent bad weather has left the pitch there in bad shape.

However, Northern Ireland’s U18 Schoolboys, who won three of their four fixtures in the 2017 Centenary Shield, are “in good shape” going into the competition, according to manager Frankie Wilson (pictured).

He explained: “Despite the snow last week our preparations have gone well. The indoor facility at Meadowbank in Magherafelt has helped in recent weeks.

“Our squad is a great mix of lads from all over Northern Ireland and our recent trip to Jersey has helped gel them together. Our aim is to retain the Centenary Shield. We have six players returning from last year along with our new players - and we feel we have the squad to retain the trophy.

“I am looking forward to playing against our friends from Scotland. I am expecting it to be a tight affair.”

He further pointed out coaches Brian Donaghy and Simon Nicks have worked tirelessly each Sunday since November moulding the team, while goalkeeping coach Eamon Curry has been working hard with the keepers.

And he said the squad’s new strength and conditioning coach, Paddy McGrath, had improved the players’ flexibility and core strength as well as highlighting the importance of strength and nutrition to improve performance

The manager added: “The games will come thick and fast and it's important to get off to a good start. We have a few new players whom I sure will light up the competition this year.”

Northern Ireland’s second game in the Centenary Shield is against Wales at Newry Showgrounds next Thursday (15 March, 3pm start) followed by a clash with the Republic of Ireland in Monaghan on 29 March. Their final game will be at home to England at Queen’s University Belfast’s Dub complex on 6 April.

The NISFA Northern Ireland U18 Schoolboys squad for the Centenary Shield: Declan Dunne (School: Mercy College; Club: Cliftonville), Caolan Coyle (Northern Regional College; Dungannon Swifts), Aaron Donnelly (Belfast Met; Cliftonville), Ruari O’Hare (St Patrick’s Grammar Downpatrick; Linfield), Jack Henderson (Ashfield Boys; Glentoran), Andrew Scott (Drumragh Integrated College; Maiden City Academy), Jack Malone (North West Regional College; Derry City), Aaron McGurk (St Brigid’s College; Coleraine), Caoimhine McConnell (Rathmore Grammar; Cliftonville), Jack O’Mahony (Slemish Integrated College; Glenavon), Pablo Andrade (Belfast Met; Dundalk), Adam Carroll (Abbey Grammar Newry; Linfield), Paddy Burns (St Malachy’s College; Glenavon), Scott Pengelly (Grosvenor Grammar; Linfield), Adam McAllenan (RBAI; Ards), Liam Hassin (Larne High School; Carrick Rangers), Donal Rocks (De La Salle Belfast; Cliftonville), Matthew Stephenson (St Columb’s College; Coleraine).

March 12, 2018
Published in U18 centenary shield
Written by Ross Redman