Switzerland 1-1 Republic of Ireland (Switzerland won 5-3 on pens)
THE Republic of Ireland U16 side drew for the second day in a row at the UEFA Development Tournament in Tournament in Magglingen today but unfortunately lost on penalties for the second successive occasion.
Tom O'Connor's side produced an excellent first half display against the hosts and took the lead in the 16th minute when Steven Kinsella collected from a short corner and delivered to the back post where Conor Levingston headed home.
The Irish had a penalty appeal waved away two minutes later but in the 28th minute they conceded a spot-kick themselves after keeper Ross Treacy was penalised for a challenge on Jeremy Guillemenot. Martin Liechti converted from the resulting penalty.
Jonathan Lunney created a good opportunity for Kinsella moments later but the winger's shot failed to hit the target.
The second half was a nip and tuck affair with the Swiss beginning well but Treacy and his defence held firm. Ireland got into the game midway through the second half but could not find a winner.
Switzerland ended up winning 5-3 on penalties. They scored all five of their kicks and only Conor Davis with Ireland's first spot-kick failed to score. Zachary Elbouzadi, Corey O'Keeffe and Jesse Stafford-Lacey all found the Swiss net.
Ireland's final game of the tournament is on Friday morning against Croatia.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Ross Treacy, Jonathan Lunney, Sean Whelan, Darragh Leahy, Robert McCourt, Steven Kinsella, Zachary Elbouzedi, Josh Barrett, Conor Masterson, Conor Levingston, Corey O'Keeffe. Subs: Conor Davis for Barrett 41 mins; Jesse Stafford-Lacey for Whelan 62; Gareth Doherty for Levingston 71; Daniel Mandriou for Kinsella 71; Ryan Fowley for Masteron 71.
FIXTURES
Tuesday, May 13
UEFA U16 Development Tournament
Austria 2-2 Republic of Ireland, Magglingen (Austria won 4-1 on pens)
Wednesday, May 14
UEFA U16 Development Tournament
Switzerland 1-1 Republic of Ireland, Magglingen (Switzerland won 5-3 on pens)
Friday, May 16
UEFA U16 Development Tournament
Croatia v Republic of Ireland, Magglingen (9.00am Irish) |
