U18 top centenary shield with England win

The Northern Ireland U18 team finished their centenary shield campaign with a convincing win over England at Queens Dub.  The team up to this game was unbeaten drawing all three of their games against Scotland, Wales and Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland got off to a great start when Adam Carroll scored with a looping header into the top corner after 10 minutes. England tried to respond straight from kick off and had a great opportunity when they were awarded a penalty 2 minutes later.

The Northern Ireland goalkeeper Declan Dunne was to be the hero diving low to his right to make a fantastic save. Northern Ireland doubled their lead shortly after when Andrew Scotts corner evaded everyone to nestle into the corner of the goal to make it 2-0.  Adam Carroll was to threaten again when his low strike beat the English keeper but was superbly cleared off the line. Northern Ireland made it 3 late into the half when Jack O’Mahony picked up the ball in the England half beat two players and slotted the ball past the keeper.

There were many changes for both teams in the second half that halted the flow of the game.  Jack O’Mahony thought that he had doubled his tally for the day when he flicked an Andrew Scott corner onto the top of the crossbar. England pulled a goal back in the second period however Northern Ireland comfortably ran out winners in the game and placed themselves on top of the table at this stage.

Full Time: Northern Ireland 3-1 England

Northern Ireland U18 Team: Declan Dunne, Caolin Coyle, Aaron Donnelly, Ruari O'Hare, Donal Rocks, Adam Carroll, Patrick Burns, Jack Henderson, Jack O'Mahony, Andrew Scott, Pablo Andrade