Northern Ireland’s Under-16s just missed out on Victory Shield glory after going down by a single goal to the Republic of Ireland in a 'winner takes all' game in Cumbernauld.
Both sides went into the game knowing a win would secure the prestigious old trophy, with Northern Ireland looking to claim it for the first time since 2018/19 while the Republic of Ireland were targeting a third successive triumph.
Competition
Victory Shield
Scoreline
Northern Ireland U16s 0-1 Republic of Ireland U16s
Scorers
Republic of Ireland: TJ Molloy (72')
Venue
Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld
Date
13 October 2024
Team News
Northern Ireland U16s head coach Kris Lindsay opted for continuity from the side that defeated hosts Scotland in their last game, making just one change as Glenavon's Harry Gough came into the starting XI to replace Eamonn Tohill.
Linfield defender Calum Anderson donned the captain's armband for the game.
How it happened
Although it was scoreless at the break, Kris Lindsay's side could count themselves somewhat unfortunate not to be going in at half-time on top having performed with confidence and purpose throughout the opening 40 minutes.
Northern Ireland created the first effort of note when, on six minutes, Coran Madden sent a corner over from the left that Darragh Brunton was forced to tip on with the ball falling for Luke Hawe who duly stung the palms of the keeper.
The pressure continued. Madden attempted to play Joel Kerr through and only a timely interception from Tadgh Prizeman, to turn the ball out for a corner, prevented a credible goalscoring opportunity.
At the other end Sean Spaight had the first effort on goal for the Republic, but despite it taking a slight deflection off Charlie Campbell keeper Michael Doherty was on hand to comfortably gather.
Northern Ireland continued to enjoy the best of whatever scoring opportunities presented themselves in an ultimately tense first half with Kerr sending a low left-foot strike wide of the target from outside the area, while Hawe had an effort blocked just a few minutes after that.
Half-time: Northern Ireland U16s 0-0 Republic of Ireland U16s
The Republic of Ireland started the second half on the front foot, coming close to finding a way through on 43 minutes when David Dunne darted down the left wing before sending a low effort towards the near post which Doherty did well to collect.
The holders threatened again a few minutes after that with Joe Byrne attempting to control the ball on the edge of the box only to be denied getting a shot away by a timely challenge from Sean Cassidy.
As the half progressed, however, Northern Ireland began to probe more and ask further questions of the Republic defence.
Campbell hit the side netting at the far post just after the hour mark from Emmett Morrison's free-kick. That was followed by a Freddie Murdock set piece from a similar position that Anderson headed powerfully just over the top.
However, what proved to be the winner, and the only goal of the game, arrived with just under 10 minutes left. The ball fell loose in the Northern Ireland area for Brody Collins to lay it off to TJ Molloy - who had tested Doherty moments prior to that - and he knocked it home from around 12 yards.
It was a hammer blow for Northern Ireland but they responded positively and almost levelled on 75 minutes through Emmett Morrison's curling 25-yard effort that Brunton only dealt with at the second attempt.
But despite pushing hard and causing some frantic defending in the closing exchanges Lindsay's players just couldn't rescue something from the game.
Full-time: Northern Ireland U16s 0-1 Republic of Ireland U16s
Northern Ireland U16s: Michael Doherty, Calum Anderson, Calum Woods, Coran Madden, Luke Hawe, Joel Kerr, Sean Cassidy, Charlie Campbell, Finlay Ross, Harry Gough, Jay Longridge
Substitutes: Cole Smyth (GK), Paul Stanfield, Sonny Trainor, Freddie Murdock, Caleb Sweeney, Emmett Morrison, Adam Dolan, Eamonn Tohill, Jack May
Republic of Ireland U16s: Darragh Brunton, Leighton Dempsey, Sean Spaight, Ben Dumigan, Jason Spelman, David Dunne, Niall Sullivan, Desmond Armstrong, Richard Farizaj, Joe Byrne, Tadgh Prizeman
Substitutes: George Moloney (GK), Brody Collins, Tom McGrath, T.J. Molloy, Evidence Chibuikem Ikechukwu, Aidan Gabbidon, Danny Burke, Jack Greene, Samuel Ogungbe
