Northern Ireland’s Under-15 development team performed well once again against France U15s in the second of two friendlies played in France.
Competition
International Challenge Match
Scoreline
France U15 3-0 Northern Ireland U15
Venue
Clairefontaine
Date
19 April 2024
Team News
Head coach Kris Lindsay made eight changes to the team that started the first game, which France won 2-0.
And the French made no less than 11 changes for the second encounter at Clairefontaine, the French Football Federation’s national training centre.
How it happened
Both sides started brightly and there were some good passages of play, although neither the Northern Ireland keeper nor the French goalie were troubled.
France hit the post with a deflected effort after 10 minutes before Northern Ireland created their best chance of the half five minutes later. Fintan McArdle and Joel Kerr combined well down the left before the ball was cut back to Emmett Morrison who rifled the ball inches over the bar from 10 yards out.
The home side took the lead on 25 minutes. They broke quickly following a Northern Ireland corner and the ball was eventually crossed to the back post where it was tucked home from six yards.
France enjoyed most of the possession, however Northern Ireland had a good shape and denied them opportunities.
Half-time: France U15 1-0 Northern Ireland U15
In possession Northern Ireland showed good composure and played some nice football, although they found it hard to create clearcut chances.
France doubled the lead in the 65th minute. After some pinball in the box the ball was eventually prodded into the net.
Northern Ireland showed good character and resilience to continue pressing and they had a couple of opportunities to reduce the deficit before the French added a third deep into added time.
Afterwards Kris Lindsay said: “Overall it has been a really pleasing camp for our squad. We have been competitive against one of the top nations and both players and staff have taken a lot out of the two games in terms of how we want to play in and out of possession.
“The players have seen the levels needed to play international football and areas that they need to continue to work hard at and develop. Exposing our young players to these calibre of games can only benefit them in the long term.”
Full-time: France U15 3-0 Northern Ireland U15
France: Thao Meuraillo, Mehdi Lahmadi, Djibril Cappe, Mohamed Diaby, Yoann Becker, Mathys Plessis, Aymen Ammaouch (captain), Abd Ilah Benkhiat, Loan Merrifield, Nael Manoir, Chris Batola.
Substitutes: Arthur Njimfo (GK), David Boly, Haris M’Dogo, Xavier Tsiendi, Joseph Peter, Kenan Doganay, Yanis Addich, Nassim Laarej, Loan Martot, Dee Jacinthe, Arone Gadou.
Northern Ireland: Matthew Hayman, Paul Stanfield, Jake Hirthe, Calum Anderson (captain), Freddie Murdock, Emmett Morrison, Finlay Ross, Joel Kerr, Eamonn Tohill, Ross Campbell, Fintan McArdle.
Substitutes: Cole Smyth (GK), Michael Kydd, Rhys Davidson, Charlie Campbell, Sonny Trainor, Caleb Sweeney, Luke Hawe, Coran Madden, Harry Gough.
