Turkey 3-0 Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland Under-16 team matched Turkey for long periods of today’s final match at the Malta International Tournament but eventually succumbed to their powerful opponents.
This was Turkey’s 18th match of the season and from early in the game, it looked likely they would continue their 100 per cent record which includes a victory away to Brazil.
Vincent Butler’s Irish team required just a draw to claim the four-nation tournament trophy. Both Ireland and Turkey had accounted for Italy and Malta in their two previous matches at the event, with the Irish having the better goal difference.
Ireland fell behind on eight minutes but made a valiant attempt to equalise before half-time. Sean Stewart made inroads down the right wing on one of his enterprising runs but dragged a shot across the goal and wide after outpacing two defenders.
Oliver Kelly was presented with another decent chance as the interval approached, the Reading man breaking through the middle of the Turkish defence only to snatch at the shot which the goalkeeper easily saved.
Ireland began to tire in the second half and conceded from a corner with just four minutes on the clock. Turkey finished the stronger, their pace and fitness evident, and added a third goal in the closing stages.
Irish manager Vincent Butler reflected on the game and the entire tournament afterwards. He said: “This was probably one game too much for us in terms of fitness. The Turkish squad would be training with professional Academy teams seven or eight times per week and it showed as our lads were physically shattered by the end.
“In saying that, we did play very well in the first two matches when fatigue wasn’t a factor. To come away from this tournament with the scalp of Italy makes the trip worthwhile for our lads.”
Ireland will complete their fixture list with two home matches against Germany next month. The double-header will be played on Tuesday, April 8th at Blarney United in Cork and on Thursday April 10th at Listowel Celtic in Kerry.
Ireland: Ciaran Gallagher (Castlefin), Daniel Joyce (Belvedere), Mark O'Brien (Cherry Orchard), Anthony O'Connor (Kilreen Celtic), Daniel Fitzsimons (Millwall) Sean Stewart (St. Kevin’s Boys), Shane Murray (Arklow Town), Sean Skelly (Belvedere), Ryan Connolly (Derby County), Oliver Kelly (Reading), Selcuk Tidim (FC St.Pauli).
Substitutes: Leigh Swords (Belvedere) for Joyce (55 mins), Stephen McDOnnell (Quay Celtic) for Kelly (65 mins), Eoin Wearen (St. Kevin’s Boys) for Murray, Timothy Pilkington (SC Freiburg) for Stewart, Aaron McCarey (Monaghan United) for Gallagher and John Egan (Greenwood) for O’Connor (All 74 mins). |
