The Republic of Ireland U-16 team played out a 1-1 draw with Belgium at the K.R.C Stadium, Mechelen. It was a great come-back by the Irish after losing 0-2 to these same opponents on Tuesday.
Ireland started brightly and dominated possession for most of the first half.
Yet the first Belgian attack after 13 minutes almost produced a goal. A quick passing move inside the Irish box left the striker with a scoring chance but the shot struck the crossbar.
A neat one-two between Craig Duggan and Ian Daly put Duggan through on goal but the Belgian keeper saved his shot.
Five minutes later, a free-kick for Belgium was whipped in from the left and the header on was tipped onto the crossbar by Kieron Thorp in the Irish goal.
The Irish deservedly took the lead after 31 minutes. Some good passing from Shane O’Connor and Conor McCormack played Duggan in, and his shot was deflected over the keeper and into the net.
Ireland continued to put pressure on the Belgian defence and David Joyce’s cross had to be pulled from underneath the crossbar by the keeper, Van Der Kelen.
A minute before the break, a Mark Nolan cross was struck just wide by O’Connor.
Belgium became more involved in the game after half-time and they equalised eight minutes after kick-off. The Belgian striker cut in from the right wing and his shot found the back of the net with the aid of a deflection.
Ireland nearly regained the lead a minute later when Doyle’s cross was headed off the crossbar by Duggan.
Team captain, James O’Brien, nearly grabbed a winner for the Republic after a one-two with Duggan, O’Brien’s shot was well saved by the keeper.
Manager, Vincent Butler was pleased with the performance. “We looked like a totally different side from the first game. We had a couple of good chances in the first half and kept possession well. We had enough opportunities to win the game”
"We will have to look at our preparation for future games "said Vincent "The team was comlpletely differabt last night whether it was the 2 hours on the bus for aj ourney that would noramlly take 20 minutes or not I do not know. The one sure thing - that was more like our team yesterday and we should have won"
Republic of Ireland
1. Kieron Thorp (Charlton Athletic)
2. Mark Nolan (Shelbourne)
13. Gareth Matthews (Cherry Orchard)
12. Niall McArdle (Home Farm)
5. David Joyce (Castlebar Celtic)
6. James O’Brien (c) (Cherry Orchard)
15. James Doyle (Home Farm)
8. Conor McCormack (Bellurgan)
9. Ian Daly (Home Farm)
10. Craig Duggan (Kilreen Celtic)
14. Shane O’Connor (Wilton United)
Subs
4. Paul Honohan (Wilton United)
3. Daniel Langan (Belvedere)
11. Michael Collins (Cherry Orchard)
7. Dean Marshall (Shelbourne)
16. Kevin O’Brien (Douglas Hall)
17. Kurtis Byrne (Cherry Orchard)
18. Kevin Dawson (Belvedere) |
