Northern Ireland played some fine football as they defeated Scotland 3-1 in a U17 Euro qualifier in Belfast.
They were particularly good after the break when they scored a couple of goals, created lots of chances and dominated proceedings.
Scoreline
Northern Ireland U17s 3-1 Scotland U17s
Scorers
Northern Ireland: Paul McGovern (19’, 57’), Darragh McCann (50’)
Scotland: Fletcher Boyd (31’)
Venue
Seaview, Belfast
Date
29 October 2024
Team News
The Irish FA is staging the Round 1 Group 8 four-team mini tournament of the UEFA U17 Euro 2025 qualifiers from today up to 4 November, with Seaview Stadium in Belfast and Inver Park in Larne the host venues.
Northern Ireland U17s head coach Andy 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
The game was cagey at the start. The visitors had the first clearcut chance of the game on 11 minutes, however captain and striker Fletcher Boyd screwed his effort off target. His next strike though was on target and Northern Ireland keeper Finn McDonnell did well to keep it out.
Northern Ireland opened the scoring on 18 minutes. Joel Kerr delivered a corner which was met by Paul McGovern and he powerfully headed the ball home.
McGovern (pictured) then went close again before Scotland equalised in the 31st minute. Lewis Carrol found Boyd and this time the skipper made no mistake with a fine finish.
Scotland’s Cole Burke had a shot blocked and then put an effort wide before McDonnell saved well from Jamie Hislop.
Half-time: Northern Ireland U17s 1-1 Scotland U17s
Striker Ceadach O’Neill steered a shot wide before Northern Ireland went in front in the 50th minute through Darragh McCann, who produced an excellent finish following some neat build-up play.
McGovern grabbed his second of the game in the 57th minute. Oisin Gamble whipped in a superb cross and McGovern’s header flew into the net.
After that Northern Ireland dominated possession and could have stretched their lead further.
Scotland keeper Alastair Graham superbly kept out an O’Neill header, McGovern put a shot wide and then Graham saved from Joel Kerr.
Northern Ireland substitute Alexander Eakin also had a go before O’Neill had another shot blocked. And Graham saved once again from the lively O’Neill right at the death.
In today’s other game in the group, played in Larne, the Republic drew 2-2 with Lithuania.
On matchday two on Friday (1 November) Northern Ireland will be taking on the Republic at 6pm at Seaview, which is also hosting the Scotland v Lithuania game that day (noon). And it’s free entry to both matches.
Full-time: Northern Ireland U17s 3-1 Scotland U17s
Northern Ireland U17s: Finn McDonnell, Darragh McCann, Oisin Gamble, Callum Leacock, Noah McDonnell, Troy Savage (captain), Joel Kerr, Matthew Burns, Ceadach O’Neill, Paul McGovern, Chris Atherton.
Substitutes: (used) Alex Watson, Alexander Eakin, Cead McGrath; (unused) Zak Robinson (GK), Scott Hamilton, Josef Orpwood, Jack Faloona, George Feeney, Luke Hawe.
Scotland U17s: Alastair Graham, Euan Glasgow, Cameron Williams, Alfie Osborne, Hayden Borland, Lewis Carol, Aiden McCallion, Alexander Smith, Fletcher Boyd, Jamie Hislop, Cole Burke.
Substitutes: (used) Ceiran Loney, Cooper Masson, Josh McDonald, Jack Barr, Zander McAllister; (unused) Cameron Patterson (GK), Jack Caldwell, Callan Hamill, Lewis Marshall.
