The boys gave three great performances to secure maximum points with wins against the Republic of Ireland (2-1), Scotland (1-0) and Wales (3-0).
The games were played in Newport, Wales at the excellent facilities at Dragons Park and Newport County Stadium. Team Manager and IFA Disability Football Development Manager, Alan Crooks was keen to praise the young squad: “All six games in the competition were tight so it is very pleasing to get that 100 per cent record and come out on top.
“We stayed patient in all three games and played some great football on our way to deservedly securing the Championships for the first time. We have had some good players over the years but I feel this time we had a good squad, a good team-spirit and a winning mentality. All 17 players played their part and in many ways it was a perfect competition.”
Results:
- Northern Ireland 2 – 1 Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland goalscorers: Ryan Bickerstaff and Shane McKernan
- Wales 2 – 3 Scotland
- Northern Ireland 1 – 0 Scotland. Northern Ireland goalscorer: Jonathan Hanlon
- Wales 3 – 3 Republic of Ireland
- Scotland 5 – 1 Republic of Ireland
- Wales 0 – 3 Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland goalscorers: Bradley Shannon, Ryan Bickerstaff and Mason McClure
Table
|
|
|
W |
D |
L |
GD |
PTS |
|
1 |
Northern Ireland |
3 |
0 |
0 |
+5 |
9 |
|
2 |
Scotland |
2 |
0 |
1 |
+4 |
6 |
|
3 |
Wales |
0 |
1 |
2 |
-4 |
1 |
|
4 |
Republic of Ireland |
0 |
1 |
2 |
-5 |
1 |
Northern Ireland squad: Neil Shields (GK) - Moneyreagh; Callum Ross (D) - Ballymena; Ciaran Parker (D) – Lisburn; Dylan Hunter (D) – Kilkeel; Andrew Murray (D) – Newtownards; Bradley Shannon (M) – Belfast; Mason McClure (M) – Bangor; Jonathan Hanlon (M) – Ballymena; Jordan Spring (F) – Belfast; Shane McKernan (M/F) – Lisburn; James Boyce (F) – Ballygowan; Sam Crawford (GK) – Belfast; Josh Harwood (D/M) – Belfast; Jamie Meehan (F) – Belfast; Ryan Bickerstaff (M) – Belfast; Scott Freeman (M) - Coleraine; Brendan Robinson (D) - Lisburn.
For further information on the squad or the Irish FA’s Disability Football programmes please contact Alan Crooks: acrooks@irishfa.com
The Northern Ireland Under 19 Learning Difficulty Squad pictured during the Home Nations Championships in Wales.
The triumphant Northern Ireland Under 19 Learning Difficulty Squad.