Irelands under-19 side drew their second game this week with Bulgaria in preparation for European qualifiers in October.
A changed Irish side for todays game in Bulgaria saw Monaghans Stephen Finnegan and Shelbournes James Chambers start. Cobh Ramblers Michael O Shea got another run out as a second half substitute.
Jonathan Hayes crossed following a powerful run down the left wing and Ian Morris turned the ball home to put Ireland ahead after 27 minutes. Finnegan hit a post and Shane Long had an effort saved as Ireland searched for a second. Hayes and Anthony Stokes both went close in the second half but for the second time this week, Sean McCaffreys team was reduced to ten men when Ian Morris was sent off after 72 minutes. The Bulgarians eventually salvaged an equaliser from the penalty spot.
Ireland Darren Randolph (Charlton Athletic) Simon Madden (Leeds United) Darren Stapleton (Reading) Sean Kelly (Arsenal) Conor Rafferty (Wolverhampton Wanderers) James Chambers (Shelbourne) Mark Wilson (Portsmouth) Stephen Finnegan (Monaghan United) Jonathan Hayes (Reading) Ian Morris (Leeds United) Shane Long (Reading) Subs Stephen Henderson (Aston Villa) on for Randolph (45 mins) Edward Nolan (Blackburn Rovers) on for Finnegan (45 mins) Anthony Stokes (Arsenal) on for Long (45 mins) Michael O Shea (Cobh Ramblers) on for Finnegan (70 mins inj) |