Under-16 Friendly International
Belgium 0-0 Ireland
The Republic of Ireland Under-16 team were unlucky not to claim victory tonight against Belgium as they were held to a scoreless draw in the first fixture of this week’s double-header. The nations will face each other again on Thursday in Liege (6pm, Irish time).
Irish manager Vincent Butler was pleased with the outcome of the game against the Belgians, particularly as the squad lost 3-1 to the same opposition last season.
Winger Robert Brady failed a fitness test before the match and his calf strain enabled Anthony Bolger to slot in as a late replacement.
The visitors produced the better of the chances, with Jeffrey Hendrick, Conor Murphy and Sean Stewart fashioning opportunities to score.
Belgium seldom threatened the Irish goal but when they managed to break the defence, goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher denied them with excellent saves.
Conor Murphy conjured up Ireland’s most clear-cut opening of the first half after eluding his marker but was unable to apply enough power on his shot to breach goal of the Belgians.
Just before half-time, Sean Stewart went close to putting Ireland ahead with a half chance and Jeffrey Hendrick produced a terrific shot from distance ten minutes after the restart which seemed destined for the net but was magnificently saved.
Irish manager Vincent Butler said: “I am extremely happy with our performance. A draw was probably a fair result because both teams had lots of possession without creating lots of chances.
“Belgium are a talented team and we showed a marked improved on the display from when we played them last season.”
The teams will meet again on Thursday in the second fixture of this week’s double-header (6pm, Irish time).
Republic of Ireland:
Ciaran Gallagher - Castlefin
Leigh Swords - Belvedere
Danny Joyce - Belvedere
Mark O'Brien - Cherry Orchard
Anthony O'Connor - Kilreen Celtic
Jeffrey Hendrick - St. Kevin’s Boys
Stephen McDonnell - Quay Celtic
Sean Stewart - St. Kevin’s Boys
Anthony Bolger - St. Kevin’s Boys
Ryan Connolly - Ballyglass
Conor Murphy - St. Kevin’s Boys
Substitutions:
Matt Doherty – Belvedere for O’Brien (78 mins).
Sean Skelly – Belvedere for Henderick (70 mins)
Selcuk Tidim - Fc St. Pauli Von 190 E.V for Bolger (62 mins)
Subs not used:
Shane Murray - Arklow Town
Craig Sexton - Belvedere
Derrick Williams - Tramore Athletic.
Under-16 Friendly International Result and Fixture:
Today
Belgium 0-0 Republic of Ireland
FK Moelingen Stadium, Theumissen.
Kick-Off: 6pm (Irish time)
Thursday November 29th 2007
Belgium V Republic of Ireland
Entente Blegnytoise.
Kick-Off: 6pm (Irish time). |
