Northern Ireland’s junior international team were in action in at the weekend – playing three games in three days.
But there was disappointment for boss Harry McConkey and his 20-strong panel who were edged out in all three games at the Jersey Quadrangular Tournament.
Despite a goal apiece from Ballyclare Comrades’ Adam Gray and Ballinamallard United’s Richard Clarke, Friday’s opening match against Republic of Ireland ended in a 3-2 defeat.
Saturday’s clash against hosts Jersey was decided courtesy of a solitary 77th-minute strike from the hosts. Northern Ireland rattled the post six minutes later and despite piling on the pressure late on, a much sought-after equaliser proved elusive.
Sunday’s match with Middlesex (England District) ended in a 2-1 defeat. Nathaniel Ferris clawed a goal back after McConkey’s men found themselves two down. Daniel Burns thought he had netted an equaliser only for the referee to rule it out after he spotted an infringement.
Northern Ireland junior international squad:
Goalkeepers– John Connolly (Ballinamallard United), Declan Brown (Queen’s University).
Defenders– William Armstrong (H&W Welders), Scott McMillan (H&W Welders), Jamie Rea (Loughgall), Lee McNulty (Dergview), Adam Wright (Ballyclare Comrades), Curtis Woods (Ballyclare Comrades), Ben Murdoch (Dundela).
Midfielders– Adam Gray (Ballyclare Comrades), Jordan Gibson (Loughgall), Richard Clarke (Ballinamallard United), Eoin Kane (Ballyclare Comrades), Owain Beggs (Dundela), Dylan Wilson (PSNI), Daniel Burns (Dundela), Thomas Robinson (Ballyclare Comrades).
Forwards– Ryan Campbell (Ballinamallard United), Emmett McGuckin (Dergview), Nathaniel Ferris (Loughgall).