Turkey Under-16 2-4 Republic of Ireland Under-16
The Republic of Ireland Under-16 side delivered a quality performance in Bolu to get the better of hosts Turkey in the second match of the double-header.
Vincent Butler’s side were defeated 4-0 on Tuesday but Daniel Purdy’s two goals helped them to an excellent victory today.
Butler made six changes to his side from the team which lined out in the first game and it took them just three minutes to get in front.
Daniel Purdy was involved in the build-up, setting up John O’Sullivan whose header had enough power and precision to beat the Turkey goalkeeper.
Brian McGroary was the architect of the second goal on seven minutes when his cross was turned into the net by a Turkey defender.
The home side reduced the deficit after 20 minutes but it was Ireland who bossed the second half.
Daniel Purdy scored his first of a brace with a back-heel on 65 minutes to make it 3-1 before Turkey again battled back with another goal two minutes later.
Ireland had to absorb some pressure late on as Turkey chased the equaliser but they countered in stoppage time to grab the fourth goal, substitute Daniel McGuinness spotting Purdy with the cross and his Crumlin United team-mate powered home the header.
Ireland manager Vincent Butler was chuffed with the performance. “The players really deserved the win today. It was a massive turnaround from Tuesday’s game when we were well beaten. They fought like tigers and I’m delighted that they came out on top.”
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Alan Smith (Springfield Ramblers); Conor Morrissey (Bohemians), Daniel Devine (Crumlin United), Michael Barker (Shelbourne), Robert Maloney (St. Joseph’s Boys); Brian McGroary (Eany Celtic), John O’Sullivan (Belvedere), John Mountenay (Kiltimagh Knock United), Gary Merritt (Milford United); Ellis Tebbutt (Leicester City), Daniel Purdy (Crumlin United).
Substitutions: Carl McHugh (Dungloe Town) for Merritt (35 mins), Daniel McGuinness (Crumlin Utd) for McGroary (h/t), James Kavanagh (Belvedere) for Mountenay (52 mins), Anthony Forde (Ballingarry) for O’Sullivan.
Under-16 International Friendly results:
Tuesday, 14 October
Turkey 4-0 Republic of Ireland
Kick-off: 2pm local time (12 noon, Irish time)
Bolu, Turkey
Thursday, 16 October
Turkey 2-4 Republic of Ireland
Kick-off: 2pm local time (12 noon, Irish time)
Bolu, Turkey. |
