Under 16's draw opening game in Slovakia
- Written by Ross Redman
- Published in U16 victory shield
Slovakia v Northern Ireland – U16 Schoolboys
Tuesday 6th September 2016 – Velky Biel Stadium Senec, 5.00 pm
Match Report
Northern Ireland Under 16s draw opening game in Slovakia
The Northern Ireland U16 team fought back well to earn a creditable 1-1 draw in their international challenge match against Slovakia in Senec. However, it looked to be a different story at the start as Lukas Letenay put the home team ahead after 1 minute and 40 seconds with a powerful drive from the edge of the box.
Despite this early reverse Northern Ireland responded well with Jordan McEneff and Tyler Marsden showing fine form in midfield. Lee O'Brien sent a deep cross to McEneff but his volley from 25 yards was tipped over the bar by the home keeper.
On the half hour Ivan Mesik missed a great chance to double the lead but shot straight at Paul McLaughlin from close range
After the interval Slovakia forced the pace and McLaughlin was in constant action, pulling off a series of good saves. However, Northern Ireland was always very dangerous on the breakaway and drew level after 69 minutes when Jake Corbett made a great run down the right and pulled the ball back to Jack Scott. The young striker found Callum Ferris who steadied himself before shooting low into the corner of the net.
The duo almost carved out the winner in the final minute as Scott again delivered a great pass to Ferris at the far post but this time his effort went just outside the upright.
The teams will meet again at the same venue on Thursday.
FULL-TIME: Slovakia 1-1 Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Team
Paul McLaughlin, Jake Corbett, Ethan Warnock, Barney McKeown, Jack Conlon, Tyler Marsden, Caolan McLaughlin, Jordan McEneff (c), Callum Ferris, Christopher Conn, Lee O'Brien
Substitutes:
Paul McAdorey replaced Marsden 52 minutes
Dean Corrigan replaced O'Brien 52 minutes
Jack Scott replaced Conn 52 minutes
George Curran replaced Caolan McLaughlin 62 minutes
Sean og Gallagher replaced McEneff 66 minutes
Lee Upton replaced Warnock 76 minutes
