Northern Ireland’s U19s registered another 1-0 victory over Faroe Islands U19s in the second of the teams’ two friendly matches this week.
Gerard Lyttle’s side defeated the Faroese by the single goal with a late winner from the spot at Mourneview Park on Wednesday, however in yesterday’s match at The Oval they scored what proved to be the winner close to the hour mark from open play.
And it was the same scorer in both games – the lively Jamie Donley, who started the game in Belfast after impressing in Lurgan when he came on as a sub.
Northern Ireland started the stronger of the two teams at The Oval and enjoyed the bulk of the possession.
The first chance came from a Brodie Spencer free-kick. His effort flashed just wide of the target.
Then a Charlie Allen delivery from a free-kick was met by Henry Jeffcott, however he planted his header over the bar.
Shea Charles, captaining the team, was once again a rock at the back and produced several excellent tackles and blocks as the Faroes threatened.
On the stroke of half-time Northern Ireland broke quickly through Allen, who played a precise through ball to Ross McCausland. The striker sped past a Faroese defender to put himself one on one with the keeper, however he was unable to apply the finish.
Northern Ireland continued to dominate proceedings after the break. Spencer broke clear down the right and found Allen in the area, however he shot straight at the keeper.
The only goal of the game came after 58 minutes. The move started with Charles providing a fine pass to McCausland down the left. The striker cut inside and unleashed a shot which rebounded into the path of Donley and he slammed the ball into the net.
On 60 minutes Dane McCullough, Terry Devlin, Charlie Allen and Josh Clarke made way for Matty Carson, Euan Williams, Jamie McDonnell and Dylan Berry.
Goalkeeper Berry made a fine stop just minutes after coming on. The visitors broke quickly and Berry had to be alert to push a rasping shot over the bar.
Conor Falls came on for McCausland after 75 minutes and Northern Ireland continued to push for a second goal.
Williams worked the ball well only for the Faroes keeper to push his shot out and then Ciaran McGuckin, who was introduced from the bench in the 83rd minute, put a header over the bar.
After that Northern Ireland stood up to some late Faroes pressure and held on to secure the deserved victory.
Northern Ireland U19s team v Faroe Islands U19s (game two): Josh Clarke, Shea Charles, Henry Jeffcott, Cameron Stewart, Dane McCullough, Brodie Spencer, Caolan McBride, Charlie Allen, Terry Devlin, Ross McCausland, Jamie Donley. Substitutes: (used) Matty Carson, Dylan Berry, Euan Williams, Jamie McDonnell, Conor Falls, Ciaran McGuckin; (unused) Sean McAllister, Matthew Lusty, Michael Forbes, Lewis Mackinnon, Isaac Price.
