U16 victory shield

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

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

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.

December 1, 2017
Published in U16 victory shield
Written by Ross Redman

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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.

November 29, 2017
Published in U16 victory shield
Written by Ross Redman

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 4^th 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 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.

October 24, 2017
Published in U16 victory shield
Written by Ross Redman

Stalemate in opening Victory Shield game

Scotland 1 – 1 Wales

Victory Shield

Monday 23^rd October 2017

Seaview 1pm KO

Scotland and Wales kicked off the 72^nd victory shield tournament at Seaview Belfast in the early kick off on Monday 23^rd 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

October 24, 2017
Published in U16 victory shield
Written by Ross Redman

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).

September 11, 2017
Published in U16 victory shield
Written by Ross Redman