Ireland's U16s cruise to 6-0 win over Estonia
Tom O'Connor's Under 16s enjoyed a comprehensive 6-0 win over Estonia in Listowel this afternoon, with Templeogue's Conor Davis scoring a hat-trick and five of the six goals coming inside the first half. To mark the occasion, local man, Jesse Stafford-Lacey of St Brendan's Park, Tralee was given the captain's armband.
Playing a fluid 4 -3 – 3 formation, Ireland were very comfortable in possession and were rarely troubled by a weaker Estonian side, who looked tired, having arrived in Ireland only today.
The Estonians very nearly took the lead after four minutes when Sean Whelan put in a heavy challenge on Markus Lokk inside the box. Kevin O'Regan awarded a penalty but Ross Treacy did very well to get down and block Henri Jarvelaio's effort.
However, Ireland went on to dominate the rest of the match, with Malahide's midfielder, Zachary Elbouzedi combining with Steven Kinsella and Avis Ganiyu to create havoc for the Estonian defence. Conor Davis opened Ireland's account in the 5th minute and he went on to score again before half time and the only goal of the second half for his hat-trick.
Steven Kinsella scored Ireland's well deserved second goal from a free kick and followed this up seven minutes later, delivering a good corner to find recent Liverpool signing Conor Masterson in the air to make it 3-0 to Ireland.
Mark Buckley scored Ireland's last goal of the first half on the 38th minute with the impressive Steven Kinsella again involved in the build-up.
With the match all but over in the second half, both coaches made multiple substitutions. Daniel Mandareu and Adam Horgan both impressed when they were given their opportunity and although Ireland took their foot off the pedal in the last 20 minutes, they were only threatened once when Markus Lokk sprung a well-timed pass through to Artjom Badjuk who sent his effort narrowly wide, one on one against the keeper.
The sides meet again on Thursday in Killarney at 7pm. |
