The Republic of Ireland U17 team today (Thursday) inflicted a 1-0 defeat on Italy in Nardo following their 1-0 defeat to their Italian counterparts on Tuesday.
The 3/FAI Under 16 Player of the Year, Mikey Drennan continued his rich goal-scoring form for his country by netting the games only goal in the 71st minute to sink the Italians. There was to be late drama however when Ireland conceded a penalty in the 90th minute but Manchester United goalkeeper, Joe Coll was on-hand to save the spot-kick and secure the win for John Morlings men.
The Republic of Ireland under 17 head coach John Morling, will now head into the 2010 UEFA Championship elite qualifying phase in Greece next month and they will play Denmark, Latvia and Greece in Greece in the second elite qualifying phase of the Championship from March 23-28. The four teams will play in a round-robin tournament with the overall winners advancing to the UEFA Championship finals later this year.
Ireland came through the initial qualifying tournament of the Championship in Malta last September.
Republic of Ireland U17: Joe Coll, Colm Horgan, Shane Griffin, Pierce Lenihan, Steven Smith, Luke Gallagher, Darragh Lenihan, Kealon Dillon, Kenny McEvoy, James Murphy, Mikey Drennan.
Substitutes: Tommy Hoban (on for Pierce Sweeney, 30 mins), Sam Byrne (on for James Murphy, 50 mins) |
