Friday 01 Nov 2024

U17s too strong for Republic of Ireland in second Euro qualifier

Northern Ireland made it two wins from two in the U17 Euro qualifiers with a confident and decisive 3-1 defeat of the Republic of Ireland at Seaview.

Leading from a goal early in the first half, Andy Waterworth's side underlined their dominance after the break to book their place in the next phase of competition.

Scoreline

Northern Ireland U17s 3-1 Republic of Ireland U17s

Scorers

Northern Ireland: Oisin McDonagh (og 4'), Ceadach O'Neill (54'), Cead McGrath (67')

Republic of Ireland: Michael Noonan (80')

Venue

Seaview, Belfast

Date

1 November 2024

Team News

Head coach Andy Waterworth made only two changes from the starting XI that defeated Scotland in the opening game, bringing in Alex Watson and George Feeney in place of Joel Kerr and Christopher Atherton. Troy Savage retained the captaincy.

Waterworth, who is being supported by Kris Lindsay, David Miskelly and Gareth McAuley, has chosen a 20-strong squad for R1 G8 matches against Scotland, Republic of Ireland and Lithuania.

In R1 the top two teams in 14 groups qualify to take part in Round 2 League A (which will decide the seven teams joining hosts Albania in next summer’s finals) and the other teams transfer to Round 2 League B.

How it happened

Northern Ireland got off to a dream start when, as early as the fourth minute, Republic of Ireland defender Oisin McDonagh turned the ball into his own net after Ceadach O'Neill had caused problems in the area.

Boosted by this, Northern Ireland looked to add to their tally a few minutes later with Darragh McCann seeing his shot on goal saved by keeper Alex Noonan.

McCann had another go not long after that but, again, found Noonan in position to make the save as the home side also won a number of corners in a positive and adventurous opening 25 minutes.

However, the Republic almost stormed their way back into the game on the half-hour mark through Grady McDonnell only for his effort to strike the woodwork.

That aside Northern Ireland continued to look the more likely to find the net again with Paul McGovern and O'Neill both having shots on goal blocked as Waterworth's charges went in at the break on top.

Half-time: Northern Ireland U17s 1-0 Republic of Ireland U17s

Starting off the second half very much how they ended the first, Northern Ireland doubled their advantage on 54 minutes when O'Neill (pictured) got the goal his earlier efforts deserved after knocking home Matthew Burns' ball.

Indeed, O'Neill continued to pose a significant threat as he just missed hitting the target a few minutes after that with another effort then blocked around the hour mark.

And it got even better for Northern Ireland midway through the second half when O'Neill turned provider for defender Cead McGrath to further extend the home advantage with a header beyond Noonan.

To their credit the Republic rallied somewhat after going three behind, with Goodness Ogbonna having a shot blocked and Michael Noonan being denied by keeper Finn McDonnell, who also thwarted Finn Sherlock a few minutes later.

McDonnell was beaten with ten minutes to go, however, after Lee Brody sent over a corner for Noonan to meet and direct into the net.

But, apart from a couple of half chances, Northern Ireland's two-goal cushion was never threatened as they held on to secure their spot in Round 2 League A.

In today's other game, Scotland defeated Lithuania 2-1. Lithuania provide Northern Ireland's final opposition in the series on Monday afternoon, again at Seaview (kick-off 3pm).

Speaking after the game, Waterworth was full of praise for both his players and staff.

"Honestly, we're delighted. I really want to mention the players and their character, they're just real good boys and their commitment to play for Northern Ireland and to wear the green jersey is really refreshing to be honest.

"Along with that they have the talent, and they're quite humble. We're not getting carried away, absolutely not. It's one step at a time, but sometimes you have to praise and enjoy moments like this.

"Our structure was great, we were aggressive. It was a great moment for the boys, and a great moment for the coaching staff. I've got a great team around me, and around us. Our fitness levels have given us a foothold in these games, and allow us to showcase our qualities."

Full-time: Northern Ireland U17s 3-1 Republic of Ireland U17s

Northern Ireland U17: Finn McDonnell, Oisin Gamble, Noah McDonnell, Callum Leacock, Darragh McCann, Matthew Burns, Troy Savage (captain), Alex Watson, Ceadach O'Neill, Paul McGovern, George Feeney

Substitutes: (used) Joel Kerr, Christopher Atherton, Scott Hamilton; (unused) Zak Robinson, Alexander Eakin, Cead McGrath, Joel Kerr, Josef Orpwood, Jack Faloona, Luke Hawe

Republic of Ireland U17: Alex Noonan, Muhammad Oladiti, Oisin McDonagh, Finn Sherlock, Ademide Solanke, Grady McDonnell, Rory Finneran, Kian Brown, Billy Hayes, Michael Noonan, Jaden Umeh

Substitutes: (used) Lee Brody, Goodness Ogbonna, Vincent Leonard, Ramon Martos, Cillian Tollett; (unused) Ali Topcu, Billy Canny, Oscar Skubo Keely, Billy O'Neill