Hungary U-16 3-0 Republic of Ireland U-16
Pantelis Popgeprgijev 4
Gergo Bobal 51
Mate Witnner 65
The Republic of Ireland Under-16s lost the second game of this weeks double-header away to Hungary this afternoon.
Once Pantelis Popgeprgijev fired the home nation ahead on four minutes, Ireland were chasing the game and despite creating a few chances either side of the break, could not repeat Tuesdays feat of securing victory.
Irelands starting team showed seven changes to the side which won 2-1 in the first game, with manager John Morling giving all seven substitutes from that game their chance to impress from the off.
There was little anyone could have done about conceding the opener after only a few minutes. A cross from the right was cleared but Hungary attacker Pantelis Popgeprgijev connected perfectly with the loose ball to plant it beyond Shane Fagan in the Irish and into the net.
Fagan was kept busy thereafter as the home side set about building on their lead. Irelands only chance of note in the first half fell to Jonathan Leddy but his powerful effort was well stopped by the goalkeeper.
The visitors were close to equalising eight minutes into the second half when Irelands man of the match Kyle McFadden met a delightful Conor Whittle cross but the defenders header was kept out by the Hungarian goalkeeper.
While that attack raised hopes of a revival, it soon disappeared as Hungary netted their second three minutes later.
A mix-up in the Irish defence did not help their cause, leaving Gergo Bobal with far too much time and space to volley his second goal of the week.
Irelands match-winner from Tuesday, Gary O Neill, had his penalty protests waved away by the referee shortly after but Hungary had the clinical edge in the final third and made it 3-0 on 65 minutes through substitute Mate Witnner.
"I felt we were well in the game until the second goal was conceded," said Ireland manager John Morling.
"Hungary were better than us in possession today which makes a huge difference with international football. Our organisation was good but we were not as sharp as them when it came to attacking.
"Overall, there were a lot of positives to take from the two matches this week. Hungary are a very good side and we learned plenty from both matches."
Republic of Ireland: Fagan (Cherry Orchard); Ryan O Reilly (Ballyjamesduff), Leddy (Cavan Shamrocks), McFadden (Swilly Rovers), Coyne (Cherry Orchard), Nsay (Cherry Orchard), Whittle (De la Salle, Waterford), Walsh (Shelbourne), Wixted (Stella Maris), O Neill (Kingdom Boys), Byrne (St. Josephs Boys).
Subs: McGlade (Shelbourne) for Byrne, Mulroney (Crumlin United) for Leddy, Mullaney (Portlaoise) for Whittle (all 56 mins), Dan O Reilly (Cherry Orchard) for Nsay, Grealish (Aston Villa) for O Neill (both 67 mins). |
