Northern Ireland’s Under-15 team claimed the overall title at a UEFA development tournament thanks to a fine win against Finland.
Competition
UEFA U15 Development Tournament
Scoreline
Finland U15s 1-3 Northern Ireland U15s
Scorers
Northern Ireland: Mason Ayre, Michael Mulholland, Padai O’Kane
Venue
Municipality Stadium, Liopetri
Date
2 December 2024
Team News
Northern Ireland U15s head coach Michael McClean made seven changes to the side that started the 1-1 draw with Hungary, the Under-15s’ second game of the four-team tournament.
In came Jude Crawford, Alfie Mulvenna, Bailey Magee, Daniel Hashim, Lukas Doherty, Jay Forsythe and Odhran McHugh.
They replaced Preston McKeown, Daniel McCarron, Daniel Patterson, Adam Nelson, Mason Ayre, Liam Kelly and Michael Mulholland.
The players in the Northern Ireland squad are all part of the Irish FA’s JD National Performance Programme.
How it happened
In their final game of the tournament Northern Ireland fell behind to an early goal. They failed to deal with a cross to the back post area and the Finns took full advantage.
Finland dominated the first half as Northern Ireland struggled to produce the same level of intensity and performance as they did in their first two games when they defeated hosts Cyprus and drew with the Hungarians.
The Finns deservedly went in at the interval leading by a goal to nil.
Half-time: Finland U15s 1-0 Northern Ireland U15s
In the second half Northern Ireland were a different team. They showed more intent and played with more intensity - and they put the Finns on the back foot straight away.
Substitute Mason Ayre levelled proceedings with a lovely goal. He picked the ball up on the right side and drove at the Finland defence. After reaching the bye-line he cut back inside and unleashed a fierce left foot shot that flew into the far corner.
From that moment on Northern Ireland were well on top in the game. Their second goal came midway through the half when Liam Kelly strode down the inside left channel and cut the ball back to striker Michael Mulholland, who neatly turned and finished to claim his fourth goal in three games.
Despite Northern Ireland’s second half dominance, Finland almost grabbed an equaliser. They were denied by a smart stop from substitute keeper Jacob Sawyer, who only joined the squad halfway through the tournament to replace injured goalie Matthew Belshaw.
The win was sealed in the final 10 minutes when another sub, Padai O’Kane, jinked inside the Finland full back and produced a neat finish past the keeper at his near post.
With Cyprus beating Hungary 3-1 in the other game, the result meant Northern Ireland finished top of the tournament group with seven points. Hosts Cyprus were second with six points.
Full-time: Finland U15s 1-3 Northern Ireland U15s
Northern Ireland starting line-up: Phoenix Blayney, Jude Crawford, Alfie Mulvenna (captain), Alfie Pollock, Bailey Magee, Jay McCafferty, Lukas Doherty, Daniel Hashim, Jay Forsythe, Logan McKnight, Odhran McHugh.
Substitutes: Jacob Sawyer (GK), Preston McKeown, Daniel McCarron, Daniel Patterson, Liam Kelly, Adam Nelson, Michael Mulholland, Mason Ayre, Padai O’Kane.
