Northern Ireland u18's ease to victory in Torquay

Kingsford Adjei 45 mins

Caolin Coyle 5 mins
Eamon Scannell (p) 31 mins
Daniel Reynolds 41 mins
Ryan Strain 55 mins

Friday 24 March 2017
Torquay
Kick Off 7.00 pm

The Northern Ireland Schools Under 18 team recorded their biggest ever win on English soil defeating England 4-1 at the Plainmoor Stadium Torquay in the inspiresport Centenary Shield.

The hosts had defeated Scotland 5-1 in their opening game in the Centenary Shield campaign but were rocked after 5 minutes as Caolin Coyle collected a short free kick from Niall Owens and drilled a low shot into the corner of the net.

On 31 minutes Owens was upended inside the box and Eamon Scannell confidently despatched the spot kick to double the lead.

Ten minutes later the visitors went further ahead. Aaron Donnelly sent a long pass to Ryan Strain and when the striker's shot came off the upright Daniel Reynolds quickly netted the rebound.

On the stroke of half time England reduced the leeway as Kingsford Adjei shot home from 10 yards following a period of intense pressure.

On the restart England pushed forward but within ten minutes Strain restored the three goal lead. A neat movement down the left involving Scannell and Owens created space for Strain who found the corner of the net with a shot from the edge of the box.

In the closing stages England pressed strongly but could make no impression on a solid Northern Ireland defence in which centre back Eoin Toal was outstanding.

The team's next match is against Scotland at Solitude on Friday 31 March, kick off 3.00 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
Caolin Coyle
Eamon Scannell
Aaron Donnelly
Eoin Toal
Bobby Burns (c)
Ryan Strain
Niall Owens
Christopher Crane
Daniel Reynolds
Lorcan Forde

SUBSTITUTIONS
Fra Nolan replaced Reynolds 45 minutes
Andrew Scott replaced Strain 64 minutes
Jack O'Mahony replaced Forde 71 minutes
Thomas Roscoe replaced Owens 90+1 minutes