Turkey Western Region U-16 1-0 Republic of Ireland U-16
The Republic of Ireland Under-16s slipped to a narrow defeat against the Turkey Western regions team in their final group game at the Turkey Under-16 tournament in Kusadasi on Thursday.
Needing a win to edge out their opponents for top spot in the group and a place in the final, Ireland had their share of chances but ultimately the concession of a goal on 27 minutes proved the difference.
Opportunities were shared by the sides before that breakthrough. Exciting Irish winger Dylan McGlade skipped past two defenders midway through the half only to see his shot well saved by the goalkeeper.
The Turkey selection, representing the western region of the country, forged into the lead on 27 minutes when a low cross into the box was expertly tucked away.
Jonathan Leddy almost immediately brought Ireland to parity but his free-kick fizzed wide while captain Dan O Reilly was unlucky to see his downward header from McGlades delivery bounce into the ground and loop up over the crossbar six minutes before the break.
Turkey succeeded in slowly the game down in the second half but Irelands perseverance drew dividends in the final minutes when a penalty was awarded for a foul on substitute Jack Grealish in the box. Up stepped Gary O Neill to take the kick but the goalkeepers save prevented the Kingdom Boys continuing his prolific scoring record.
REP OF IRELAND : Fagan (Cherry Orchard), Mulroney (Crumlin United), Dan O Reilly (Cherry Orchard), Lewis (Aston Villa), McFadden (Swilly Rovers), McGlade (Shelbourne), Leddy (Cavan Shamrocks), Mullaney (Portlaoise), Hayes (St. Josephs Boys), O Neill (Kingdom Boys), O Driscoll (Skibbereen).
Substitutions: O Connor (Curracloe) for Leddy, Grimes (Ringmahon Rovers) for Fagan (both h/t), Coyne (Cherry Orchard) for Lewis, Grealish (Aston Villa) for McGlade (both 69 mins), Long (Cherry Orchard) for McFadden, Walsh (Shelbourne) for O Driscoll, Crowe (Stella Maris) for Mulroney (all 73 mins). |
