Release Date: 31/10/2014

The Northern Ireland Under 16 team recorded a famous success in the Sky Sports Victory Shield international against Scotland at St Mirren Park in Glasgow. Goals by Liam McKenna and Jack White time gave the Northern Ireland boys a well deserved win over the defending champions.

The visitors started brightly and should have gone ahead in the second minute.  A cross by Cormac Lawlor found Jack Sharvin unmarked in front of goal but the striker delayed and goalkeeper Aidan McAdams was quickly off his line to block Sharvin's shot.  One minute later Stephen Mallon saw his right foot drive from the edge of the box flash inches past the post.

As Northern Ireland continued to dominate Christopher Crane was just off target with a drive from the edge of the box.

Scotland's first attack came after 17 minutes but Lee Connolly's 25 yard effort flew over the bar.  Ten minutes later the home crowd thought that Scotland had scored but Owen Gallacher's shot only found the side netting.

Three minutes before the break Northern Ireland deservedly went in front when Liam McKenna met a free kick by Mallon to plant his header into the corner of the net.

On the restart Scotland pushed forward but could make little impression on a solid defence in which centre backs Christopher Crane and Lucas Galashan were outstanding.  On 69 minutes Northern Ireland doubled the lead.  Substitute Niall Cassidy sent Lawlor away down the right and the captain's pin point cross found left back Jack White who netted with a powerful downward header.

In the closing stages Scotland pressed strongly and Daniel Baur's header was cleared off the line by Galashan.  On 80minutes Conor Larkin produced a brilliant save to deny Gallacher .  However, one minute later the keeper blocked a close range shot by Connor McLennan but Jack Aitchison was on hand to force home the rebound.

This was Northern Ireland's third win over Scotland in the last 4 years.

The team's next challenge is against England at Stangmore Park Dungannon on Friday 7 November, kick off 7.00 pm.  The Northern Ireland Schools’ Football Association is offering free entrance to any school or youth group wishing to attend the game.  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.
 
Northern Ireland: Conor Larkin, Cormac Lawlor, Jack White, Lucas Galashan, Matthew McKenna, Christopher Crane, Matthew Lynch, Stephen Mallon, Tre Sterling, Jack Sharvin, David Parkhouse.

Substitutes - Reece McGinley (replaced Sharvin 53 minutes), Niall Cassidy (replaced Parkhouse 66 minutes), Christopher Gallagher (replaced Lawlor 72 minutes)

Release Date: 02/09/2014

The Northern Ireland Under 16 team will play two games against Finland. The teams meet at Comber on Wednesday 10 September, kick off 5.00 pm, and two days later Knockbreda FC is the venue, kick off 11.30 am.

Northern Ireland Manager Stephen Robinson is looking forward to his young side taking on top class opponents.  “Games against Finland have always been very close at this level.  This is just the start of an extensive programme of international matches for the boys.  Directly after the games against Finland the team travels to Poland 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 in October.  These games will give everyone a chance to stake a claim for their place in the squad for the games in the Sky Sports Victory Shield”.

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

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.