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Poland U16 prove too strong for NI

Poland U16 prove too strong for NI

A positive year for Northern Ireland’s U16s ended on a low note as they were swept aside by a strong Poland side in the second of their two friendly games against the Poles this week.

After narrowly losing 2-0 in game one in Belfast on Tuesday, Northern Ireland were planning to give it a real go at Stangmore Park in Dungannon yesterday, with manager Darren Murphy making five changes to the starting line-up.

But the Poles had other ideas and they simply proved too strong for the boys in green as they secured a 5-0 win.

The Schoolboys’ side started brightly but fell behind when Filip Marchwinski converted from close range.

The home team could have been back on level terms when Alberto Balde was given a free header inside the Polish box but keeper Kacper Bleszczad made a fantastic save.

Poland went 2-0 up on 12 minutes with Jakub Kaminski firing a shot past David Walsh from the edge of the box.

Northern Ireland look dangerous during a series of free-kicks, with Jack Scott inches away from pulling a goal back. 

Then Poland pushed forward again and Walsh was called into action to make a smart save from a long range effort by Kacper Zajqc.

Poland got their third on the stroke of half-time when the lively Marchwinski collected the ball inside the box, slipped past a defender and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

Northern Ireland brought on four substitutes at the start of the second half with McKiernan, Johnston, Gallagher and McGivern coming on for Hume, Hutchinson, Bradley and Scott.

Shortly after the restart Poland get their fourth of the game with man of the match Kaminski driving through the heart of the Northern Ireland midfield, playing a one-two and then beating Walsh with a neat finish.

Darren Murphy’s side continued to battle hard, however it was Poland who could have scored again only to be kept out by a fantastic save from Walsh.

Towards the end of the game Poland controlled possession without creating much to trouble the Northern Ireland keeper.

But they did have the final say. Daniel Dudzinski finished the scoring for the Polish team, slotting the ball into the bottom corner after latching on to a defence-splitting through ball.

Northern Ireland: David Walsh, Jack Scott, Trai Hume, Dylan Boyle, Gerard Storey, Alberto Balde, Ben Wylie, Jesse Carson, Chris Hutchinson, Barry Baggley, Conor Bradley. Substitutes: Conner Byrne, John McGivern, Ben Gallagher, Peter McKiernan, Carl Johnston, Eoin Teggart, Charlie Lindsay, Sean Stewart.

Poland too strong for young NI team

Poland too strong for young NI team

Northern Ireland’s U16s lost out to a strong Poland side this afternoon in the first of two friendly games against the Poles this week.

The visitors from eastern Europe dominated the early exchanges but Northern Ireland gave as good as they got across the bulk of the 80 minutes and were a tad unlucky to lose 2-0. It was an entertaining encounter. Queen’s University’s Dub complex in south Belfast was the venue for part one of this week’s double header. Poland started the game brightly and only a last ditch tackle from Trai Hume prevented the Schoolboys’ side from going behind in the opening minutes. However, the Poles broke the deadlock shortly after when Michal Rakoczy latched on to a misplaced pass to beat a defender before finishing past Conner Byrne in the Northern Ireland goal. Byrne was called into action again minutes later when a free-kick evaded the defence and the keeper reacted smartly to keep the ball out. Northern Ireland’s first effort in the game came from Eoin Teggart, whose shot from a tight angle just missed the post. Carl Johnson was next to threaten when he beat a pair of Polish defenders only to blaze his shot over the bar.

The second half started in similar fashioin to the first with Poland on top. Conner Byrne reacted well to push away a Bartosz Zynek goalbound effort and then shortly after he was alert to save an Arkadiusz Baran strike from distance. Encouraged by energetic captain Dylan Boyle, Northern Ireland created a couple of half-chances, the best of which saw an Alberto Balde header drop just wide of the target. The second Polish goal came around the midway point of the second half when Filip Marchwinski blocked an attempted clearance by the keeper and slotted the ball into the net from close range.The game lost its flow a little after a string of changes by both sides but Northern Ireland did threaten late on. Chris Hutchinson dragged a shot wide of the upright when well placed.

Substitute Charlie Lindsay had a fantastic chance to get himself on the scoresheet on his debut when he robbed the Polish goalkeeper of the ball and unleashed a shot but it was blocked on the line by a recovering defender. Afterwards team coach Darren Murphy said the Poles had provided strong opposition but he felt the Northern Ireland team acquitted themselves well. He pointed out three members of his panel were playing a year down from the U16 age group, while 13-year-old Lindsay was playing two years down. He further revealed Northern Ireland have not defeated a Polish team at underage level since 2003 but he hopes to put that right in the second game, which is being staged at Stangmore Park in Dungannon on Thursday (30 November) at 3pm. 

Northern Ireland: Conner Byrne, Jack Scott, Sean Stewart, Trai Hume, Dylan Boyle, John McGivern, Carl Johnson, Ben Wylie, Peter McKiernan, Eoin Teggart, Alberto Balde. Subs: David Walsh, Jesse Carson, Chris Hutchinson, Gerard Storey, Conor Bradley, Barry Baggley, Ben Gallagher, Charlie Lindsay.

NI U16's narrow defeat in Victory Shield

NI U16's narrow defeat in Victory Shield

Northern Ireland 0-1 Republic of Ireland 

Monday 23rd October 

Bangor Fuels Arena 

3pm 

 

A penalty just three minutes into the second half from Troy Parrott was enough to give Republic of Ireland a 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland in the opening game of the Victory Shield in Bangor.

Republic of Ireland started the better of the two sides and nearly opened the scoring on the 4th minute, midfielder Troy Parrott received the ball following good work in the middle of the park by Brandon Holt, he seen his shot cannon of the post. Northern Ireland were soaking up a lot of pressure in the early stages of the game, defenders Dylan Boyle, Lewis McKinnon and Peter Bell all putting their bodies on the line to deny the Republic of Ireland forward line.  Down at the other end Northern Ireland didn’t test keeper Jimmy Corcoran but were asking questions of his defence with Aaron Brown and Alberto Balde chasing down balls and making it hard for their opponents.

Midway through the half Northern Ireland grew in confidence, midfield trio Gerard Storey, Ben Gallagher and Carl Johnston played some neat football between themselves before finding Euan Deveney, the full back made an advanced run forward before having a shot on goal that was saved by Corcoran. On the half hour mark Northern Ireland came even closer, Storeys diagonal ball was held well by Aaron Brown before the forward set for Ben Gallagher, he took a touch before hammer a strike off the bar.

Gallagher had another shot for the green and white army shortly after, this time it sailed over the bar as the half time whistle followed. An even first half with Northern Ireland having the better of chances, Republic of Ireland started the game very well but didn’t test keeper David Walsh.

The second half started and Northern Ireland found themselves on the attack again, Alberto Balde on the counter attack put a dangerous delivery into the box that was eventually cleared by the Northern Ireland defence. From the resulting clearance Republic of Ireland carved an attack of their own, James Furlong and Armstrong Oko-Flex combined before the later was brought down just inside the box by Northern Ireland midfielder Gerard Storey.  Troy Parrott stepped up and sent keeper David Walsh the wrong way to put his side in front.

Northern Ireland's likely goal scorer if anyone was going to be Ben Gallagher, the midfielder found himself again in the second half having chances on goal but none tested Jimmy Corcoran. Republic of Ireland were happy to hold on to their 1-0 lead as changes were made to take the sting out of the game, they sat in and soaked some pressure, on the ball they looked for substitute Festy Obosele on the right hand side.  The winger came close himself, having a shot saved at the near post by keeper Walsh.

With 15 minutes to go Northern Ireland hit the post for a second time, Alberto Balde was finding joy down the right flank, he played a ball inside the Conor Bradley who directed his shot onto the woodwork. Festy Obesele and Brandon Holt worked together for Republic of Ireland's next attack in the final 10 minutes, Obeseles shot brought a fine save from David Walsh.

Northern Ireland huffed and puffed with substitutes Peter McKiernan and Conor Bradley at the heart of attacks, using their fresh legs to run at the Republic of Ireland defence but just lacking the final ball. Alberto Balde had the games final chance, a Euan Deveney corner found the Portadown forwards head; but it wasn’t the connection he hoped for as the ball trickled wide of the goal.

Republic of Ireland defeat Northern Ireland by 1 goal to nil in the opening game of this years Victory Shield, both teams had their chances but Troy Parrotts goal separated the two sides.

Republic of Ireland face Wales this coming Wednesday at Bangor Fuels Arena, 11am kick off.  Meanwhile Northern Ireland come up against Scotland at Seaview, 1pm kick off.

Northern Ireland XI: Walsh, Boyle ©, Bell, MacKinnon, Hume, Deveney, Johnston, Storey, Gallagher, Brown, Balde.

Northern Ireland Substitutes: Taylor, Carson, Bradley (for Brown 56), Hutchinson, Baggley, McBride (for Storey 66), McKiernan (for Gallagher 54), McGivern, Teggert.

Republic of Ireland XI: Corcoran, Dunne, Power, Kelly, Furlong, Keogh ©, Holt, Parrott, Kennedy, Oko-Flex, Odupeko.

Republic of Ireland Substitutes: Halwax, Agberhiere (for Furlong 59), McKinley, Healy, Ogbungo, Farrell, Obosele (for Kennedy 54), Giurgi.

Stalemate in opening Victory Shield game

Stalemate in opening Victory Shield game

Scotland 1 – 1 Wales

Victory Shield

Monday 23rd October 2017

Seaview 1pm KO

Scotland and Wales kicked off the 72nd victory shield tournament at Seaview Belfast in the early kick off on Monday 23rd October.  Wales started the game brighter with Cavan Williams and Bradley Gibbings causing the Scotland defence problems, However, it was Scotland that had the first sight of goal when a long ball into the box was met by full back Harris O’Connor.  His header struck the bottom of the post with David Robson well beaten. Both teams had a succession of corners but neither could make the breakthrough.  The deadlock was broken on 31 minutes when a surging run by Bradley Gibbings won a free kick just outside the Scotland penalty area.  Dan Malone stepped up and curled a wonderful freekick into the top corner of the net with Jack Newman helpless.  Wales continued to press after the goal and Luke Motruck had a header just wide of the mark.

 Half time Scotland 0-1 Wales

 The game opened up early in the second half with both sides creating chances. On 47 minutes Scotland drew level with a fantastic individual goal.  Cole Starrs raced through onto a long ball shrugging off a welsh defender before keeping his compose to slot the ball passed the on-rushing David Robson. Scotland pushed for a winner with Karamoko Dembele getting space on the right however his shot was blocked by the Welsh defence.  Connor Smith thought that he had won it late on when he ran onto a short back pass only to see his shot saved bravely by David Robson.

 

Full time Scotland 1-1 Wales

Scotland Team: Jack Newman, Harris O’Connor, Liam Millar, Kyle McClelland, Liam Morrison, Andrew Winter, Connor Smith, Cole Starrs, Karamoko Dembele, Ciaran Dickson, Jenson Weir

Wales Team: David Robson, Jamie Taylor, Luke Mortruk, Luc Noble, Ollie Denham, Owen Hesketh, Bradley Gibbings, Ollie Ewing, Will Russ, Dan Malone, Cavan Williams

 

U16's travel to Finland for final preparation

U16's travel to Finland for final preparation

The Northern Ireland U16 team will continue their preparations for next month’s Victory Shield tournament with a double header against Finland next week.

The first of the international friendlies takes place on Tuesday (12 September, 6.30pm) in Jyväskylä with the second game being staged next Thursday (1pm) in the city in central Finland.

The Schoolboys side will be hoping to keep their unbeaten run going. In recent months they have won two games at home against Estonia U16s and drawn twice with Austria’s U16s away.

The double header next week will be the team’s final preparation matches ahead of the Victory Shield – the Home International series for U16 teams – at the end of next month.

Northern Ireland U16 manager Darren Murphy says the matches against Finland are vital for the players’ development.

He pointed out: “The matches building up to the Victory Shield have been fantastic for the boys. We have three 2003 players in the squad as seven 2002 players have been selected for the Northern Ireland U17 squad in preparation for their European Championship qualifying campaign.

“This trip gives us a chance to look at these young players on the international stage. I am expecting two very tough games with Finland but also really looking forward to the challenge.”

The Northern Ireland squad for the games against Finland: David Walsh (Linfield), Conner Byrne (Glenavon), Trai Hume (Linfield), Dylan Boyle (Ridgeway Rovers), John McGivern (Ridgeway Rovers), Vicky Saldanha De Rosa (Dungannon Swifts), Chris Hutchinson (Portadown), Carl Johnston (Linfield), Jesse Carson (Linfield), Gerard Storey (Ridgeway Rovers), Barry Baggley (Glentoran), Euan Devreney (Rangers), George Tipton (Ridgeway Rovers), Peter McKiernan (Cliftonville), Aaron Brown (Linfield), Alberto Balde (Portadown), Eoin Teggert (Cliftonville) and Lewis Mackinnon (Linfield).

U16's complete double over Estonia

U16's complete double over Estonia

The Northern Ireland Under 16 team completed the double over Estonia and maintained their unbeaten record for the season with a comprehensive 4-1 victory at Seaview.

There was little between the teams in the early stages but after 27 minutes Alberto Balde caused panic in the visitors defence and Kristjan Stuff handled the ball.  George Tipton, son of Warrenpoint Town Manager Matthew Tipton, stepped up to blast the spot kick into the roof of the net.

After the break Estonia came more into the game and Rudhan Hughes did well to keep out a fierce free kick by Patrick Veelma while Aleksandr Sapovalov was narrowly off target with a long range effort.  Soon afterwards Estonia deservedly drew level when Sapovalov, who had scored for the visitors in their 3-1 defeat at Comber on Monday, netted with a close range header.

At this stage it looked as if Estonia would go on to record their first success at Under 16 level against Northern Ireland but gradually the home team regained control and after 78 minutes Chris McKee found the net when put through by Jack Scott.

Two minutes later Peter McKiernan doubled the lead with a spectacular effort as the lively striker twisted and turned his way past two defenders before unleashing an unstoppable drive into the top corner.

In stoppage time Scott completed the scoring with a 25 yard effort which gave the Estonian keeper no chance.

The Under 16 team can expect a sterner test when they travel to Finland next month for two games in Jyvaskyla.

Northern Ireland

Rudhan Hughes, Jack Scott, Peter Bell, Dylan Boyle (c), Aaron Brown, Alberto Balde, George Tipton, Trai Hume, Barry Baggley, Eoin Teggert, Aidan Steele

Substitutes

Michael Glynn (replaced Brown 51 minutes), Peter McKiernan (Tipton 51'), Chris McKee (Balde 51'), Naseem Ouldhamlat (Teggert 51'), Jesse Carson (Bell 65'), Ben Wylie (Hume 65'), Chris Hutchinson (Baggley 65'), Carl Johnston (Steele 65')

U16's to face Estonia in double header

U16's to face Estonia in double header

Under 16s face Estonia

Northern Ireland Under 16 Manager Darren Murphy is hoping that his young charges can maintain their unbeaten record when they play two games against Estonia next week.  In May his team recorded two victories 2-1 at home to Slovakia and the following month the squad travelled to Austria and came home with a scoreless draw and a 1-1 draw against an unbeaten Austrian team.

Now Estonia provide the opposition at Comber on Monday 14 August, kick off 6.30 pm, and two days later Knockbreda FC is the venue, kick off 3.00 pm.

Murphy is looking forward to his young side taking on the visitors.  “The team was outstanding in the matches against Slovakia and Austria and now I am hoping that they can advance to an even higher level.  We have an excellent record against Estonia, winning four and drawing two of the last six games.  Those matches were all very close and the boys will have to pull out all the stops to maintain our record against Estonia.  This is just the start of an extensive programme of international matches for the boys.  In September the team travels to Finland for two games.  It will be a good experience for our boys to pit their skills against the best Continental teams.  This is just the sort of test that we need before embarking on the Victory Shield campaign against Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland in October.  The games against Estonia and Finland will give everyone a chance to stake a claim for their place in the squad for the Victory Shield”.

The Northern Ireland Schools’ Football Association is offering free entrance to any school or youth group wishing to attend the games against Estonia.

Any group wishing to gain free entrance should send their details by email to Edwin Ferris, NISFA Treasurer, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to obtain a group permit.

Edwin Ferris

(NISFA Press Officer)

U15's secure second away draw

U15's secure second away draw

Northern Ireland’s Under-15 Schoolboys side drew their second and final tour game against Austria’s U15s.

After registering a scoreless draw in the first of their two international friendlies in Austria, the U15s drew 1-1 with their hosts in game two. 

The second game of their short tour to eastern Austria saw Northern Ireland play in temperatures reaching 35 degrees.

Austria started strongly in the match at the Lindabrunn Stadium at Enzesfeld-Lindabrunn. Denizcan Cosgun and Matthias Brunnoder combined well to carve open the Northern Ireland defence but Brunnoder's shot drifted past the post.

However, on 11 minutes the visitors missed a great chance to open the scoring. Barry Baggley found Alberto Almanzar with a pinpoint cross but the unmarked striker headed straight at the Austrian keeper from six yards out. Soon afterwards Almanzar outpaced the home defence but dragged his shot wide of the upright.

The Austrians were quickly back on the front foot and Ruadhan McKenna produced a great save to keep out a 25-yard piledriver from Dino Rusovic.  

But the Northern Ireland keeper was given no chance on the stroke of half-time when Edin Mujkanovic crossed from the right and Rusovic volleyed the ball into the net from close range.

On the restart Northern Ireland upped the ante and Peter McKiernan thought that he had snatched the equaliser, bundling the ball over the line when Austrian keeper Nikolas Polster dropped a free-kick by Gerard Storey. However, the referee disallowed the goal for a foul on the keeper.

On 67 minutes the visitors deservedly drew level when John McGivern met a cross from Ben Wylie to net with a powerful header. 

In the closing stages Northern Ireland pressed strongly in search of the winner with George Tipton and Aidan Steele both going close.

The U15 Schoolboys will next be in action against Estonia at Comber on 14 August and at Knockbreda two days later.

Northern Ireland line-up: Ruadhan McKenna (Portadown); Peter Bell (Dungannon United Youth); Dylan Boyle (captain, Ridgeway Rovers); Trai Hume (Linfield); Chris Hutchinson (Portadown); Michael Glynn (Ballinamallard United); Carl Johnston (Linfield); Alberto Almanzar (Portadown); Barry Baggley (Glentoran); John McGivern (Ridgeway Rovers); Naseem Ouldhamlat (Glentoran).

Substitutes: Gerard Storey (Ridgeway Rovers, replaced Johnston 20’); Peter McKiernan (Cliftonville, for Ouldhamlat 40’); Jessie Carson (Linfield, for Bell 40’); Ben Wylie (Linfield, for Glynn 40’); George Tipton (Ridgeway Rovers, for Baggley 54’); Aidan Steele (Cliftonville, for Hutchinson 54’).

 

U15's draw first game in Austria

U15's draw first game in Austria

Northern Ireland’s Under-15 Schoolboys side registered a scoreless draw in the first of their two international friendlies against Austria’s U15s this week.

It was a fairly even first half but Northern Ireland dominated after the break and deserved more out of yesterday’s game. 

The match at Eggendorf in eastern Austria was played in blazing sunshine – in temperatures reaching 35 degrees – so it was no real surprise that the pace was slow at the start.

After 17 minutes Alberto Almanzar carved open the home defence to send George Tipton through but with only the keeper to beat the Northern Ireland striker could only find the side netting.

Ten minutes later Michael Glynn missed another opportunity as he collected a long ball from Jessie Carson and rounded the full-back but as he closed in on goal he lost control and the danger was cleared.

Austria's best chance came just before the break when Denizcan Cosgun drifted past two defenders and unleashed a powerful right foot drive which crashed against the upright.

After the interval, as the temperature cooled, Northern Ireland took control with Ben Wylie and Carl Johnston dominating in midfield.

On 53 minutes Almanzar thought that he had broken the deadlock when he shot home from close range but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Almanzar was a constant threat to the Austrian defence with his surging runs down the left. The powerful striker seemed certain to score as he broke through once again but Austrian keeper Nikolas Polster was quickly off his line to block his shot.

The introduction of Naseem Ouldhamlat increased the threat as he combined well with Almanzar to terrorise the home defence. In the final minute a neat pass from Almanzar sent Ouldhamlat through but he shot tamely at the keeper.

The teams meet again at Enzesfeld-Lindabrunn tomorrow (Thursday 22 June) in the second and final game of the short tour - and U15 manager Darren Murphy will be hoping that his side not only maintain their unbeaten record but with better finishing add to it with a victory. 

Northern Ireland line-up: David Walsh (Linfield); Peter Bell (Dungannon United Youth); Dylan Boyle (captain, Ridgeway Rovers); Michael Glynn (Ballinamallard United); Ben Wylie and Carl Johnston (both Linfield); Gerard Storey (Ridgeway Rovers); Alberto Almanzar (Portadown); John McGivern (Ridgeway Rovers); Jessie Carson (Linfield) and George Tipton (Ridgeway Rovers). Substitutes: Aidan Steele (Cliftonville, replaced Tipton 48’); Naseem Ouldhamlat (Glentoran, for Storey 60’); Trai Hume (Linfield, for Bell 60’); Chris Hutchinson (Portadown, for Wylie 76’).

U15’s travel to Austria for double header

U15’s travel to Austria for double header

Northern Ireland U15 manager Darren Murphy has named a 18 man squad to travel to Austria next week for two international friendlies against Austria U15’s.  Murphy knows that the fixture is vital for the development of the U15 squad “It is important for the U15 players to be constantly challenged and the up and coming fixtures v Austria will certainly do that. Last year we had 2 fantastic games v Austria, drawing one and losing the other. These fixtures give the players an insight, to the levels they need to get to so that we are completive when it comes to U17,U19 Euro level. I would like to thank the Northern Ireland Schools Football Association for all their hard work in securing these fixtures and the further Internationals that have been arranged for later in the year in preparation for the Victory shield in October.

 

The 18 man squad can be seen below:

David Walsh - Linfield

Ruadhan McKenna – Portadown

Peter Bell – Dungannon Utd

Dylan Boyle – Ridgeway Rovers

Trai Hume – Linfield

Chris Hutchinson – Portadown

Michael Glynn – Ballinamallard

Ben Wylie – Linfield

Carl Johnston – Linfield

Gerard Storey – Ridgeway Rovers

Alberto Almanzar – Portadown

Barry Baggley – Glentoran

John McGivern – Ridgeway Rovers

Jessie Carson – Linfield

Naseem Ouldhamlat – Glentoran

Aidan Steele – Cliftonville

George Tipton – Ridgeway Rovers

Peter McKiernan – Cliftonville

 

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