Under-16 Friendly International
Turkey 4-0 Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland Under-16s fell to defeat today against Turkey in the first match of this week’s double-header between the nations in Bolu.
Ireland began as they left off in their last outing, the 1-0 victory over Wales in August, but missed a couple of chances to open the scoring and were swiftly punished by some lethal finishing by the home side.
Two Irish corners in the early stages delivered by Derrick Williams from the right caused problems for Turkey, yet no player was on hand to put away the openings.
Ellis Tebbutt was then denied what appeared a stone-wall penalty for Ireland and the game swung in favour of the Turks, who took the lead with a neat finish past goalkeeper Alan Smith after the defence was breached.
The second goal arrived just before the break after Ireland failed to clear a ball into the box and Turkey added another shortly after the restart.
The Irish began to tire in the latter stages and Turkey grabbed their fourth goal to compound Ireland’s misery.
The nations are due to meet again on Thursday at the same venue (kick-off 12 noon).
Republic of Ireland Under-16 manager Vincent Butler believes that his group of players will learn a lot from today’s defeat.
“Turkey are an excellent team and they took their opportunities well,” he said. “We matched them for a lot of game in terms of possession and chances but the main difference was Turkey’s technical ability and mobility.
“We have a long way to go in the season and this was a good lesson for the players. Next week for the two Northern Ireland games, we will look at another 18 players and assess things after that.”
IRELAND UNDER-16: Alan Smith (Springfield Ramblers), James Kavanagh (Belvedere), Daniel Devine (Crumlin United), Michael Barker (Shelbourne), Robert Maloney (St. Joseph’s Boys); Ellis Tebbutt (Leicester City), Carl McHugh (Dungloe Town), Anthony Forde (Ballingarry), Derrick Williams (Tramore); David Murphy (All Blacks), Daniel McGuinness (Crumlin Utd).
Substitutions: Daniel Purdy (Crumlin Utd) for McGuinness and John O’Sullivan (Belvedere) for Williams (50 mins), John Mountney (Kiltimagh Knock United) for Forde (55 mins), Conor Morrissey (Bohemians) for Kavanagh, Brian McGroary (Eany Celtic) for Murphy and Gary Merritt (Milford United) for Tebbutt (all 65 mins).
Under-16 International Friendly Fixture and Result:
Tuesday, 14 October
Turkey 4-0 Republic of Ireland
Kick-off: 2pm local time (12 noon, Irish time)
Bolu, Turkey
Thursday, 16 October
Turkey v Republic of Ireland
Kick-off: 2pm local time (12 noon, Irish time)
Bolu, Turkey. |
