Northern Ireland’s Men’s Under-17 team drew with Slovenia U17s in the first of three games in the elite round qualifiers for UEFA U17 Euro 2025.
Competition
UEFA U17 Euro 2025 Qualifiers – Elite Round
Scoreline
Slovenia U17s 1-1 Northern Ireland U17s
Scorers
Slovenia: David Jereb (86’ pen)
Northern Ireland: Ceadach O’Neill (77’ pen)
Venue
St George’s Park, Pitch 4
Date
19 March 2025
Team News
Northern Ireland’s Men’s Under-17 team are competing in U17 Euro 2025 elite round qualifiers this month at St George’s Park, the FA’s national training centre in Staffordshire.
They have been drawn in Group A7 along with hosts England, Slovenia and Israel. U17s head coach Andy Waterworth has chosen a 20-strong squad for the three games.
Round 2 League A will decide the seven teams joining hosts Albania in this year’s U17 Euro finals, which will take place between 19 May and 1 June.
How it happened
Waterworth’s side dominated possession from the start. The first clearcut chance fell to striker Ceadach O’Neill whose effort was well saved by Slovenia keeper Tilen Golic.
Then Northern Ireland keeper Finn McDonnell kept out a Svit Hocevar strike, while Golic saved an Alex Watson effort.
Chris Atherton, Noah McDonnell and George Feeney all had shots blocked before O’Neill had shots blocked in quick succession.
As the half wore on Feeney had another effort blocked and Calum Anderson steered an effort wide of the target.
Half-time: Slovenia U17s 0-0 Northern Ireland U17s
Just after the interval the game was a bit scrappy, although Northern Ireland continued to boss proceedings.
On 58 minutes Atherton had an attempt blocked. Down the other end Kristjan Juric and Miha Matjasec steered shots wide.
Golic kept out a Callum Leacock strike and then O’Neill had a shot blocked.
Northern Ireland took the lead via a penalty on 77 minutes. Substitute Joel Kerr was fouled inside the area and O’Neill (pictured) slotted the spot kick home.
In the 86th minute Slovenia equalised. Watson was shown a red card for a challenge on substitute David Jereb inside the area – and Jereb dusted himself down to slam home the resulting penalty.
In the closing stages McDonnell saved from Slovenia substitute Ziga Krancj, while Kerr had a shot blocked.
Afterwards Waterworth said: “I am so proud of the team tonight. With 70% possession we were the better side, controlled the game, and I felt we really deserved the three points.
“Looking back we possibly could have taken our chances more effectively. Everyone played well and it was great to see the likes of George Feeney, Coist Walker, Matthew Burns and Calum Anderson really taking the game to them.
“As a group I’m really proud of them and they put in a very professional performance here at St George’s Park in front of a good crowd.”
Northern Ireland’s second game in the elite round is on the same pitch against Israel on Saturday (22 March) at 7pm. Israel lost 2-0 against England in their opener.
Full-time: Slovenia U17s 1-1 Northern Ireland U17s
Line-ups
Slovenia U17s: Tilen Golic, Matevz Simnovec (captain), Matej Mehle, Vid Novak, Svit Mlekuz, Miha Matjasec, Kristjan Juric, Nik Belovic, Svit Hocevar, Nejc Viher, Denis Videnovic.
Substitutes: (used) David Jereb, Urban Horvat, Ziga Krancj, Kristjan Kozar; (unused) Tanej Handanovic (GK), Ajdin Husic, Tilen Colja, Bor Ceferin, Svit Blasko.
Northern Ireland U17s: Finn McDonnell, Calum Anderson, Alex Watson, Noah McDonnell, Callum Leacock, Troy Savage (captain), Chris Atherton, Matthew Burns, Ceadach O’Neill, George Feeney, Coist Walker.
Substitutes: (used) Joel Kerr, Kalum Thompson, Brandon Downey; (unused) Corey Sheridan (GK), Ben Wilson, Oisin Gamble, Cead McGrath, Jack Faloona.
