Ireland finish top in UEFA U17 qualifying tourney
Ireland 2 — 0 Latvia
Ireland qualified spectacularly for the next qualifying stage of the UEFA U17 Championship by beating Latvia in Kiev to finish top of their group in the Ukraine.
Donal McDermott and Terry Dixon scored the goals as Ireland completed their programme in dominant mood.
Previously they had drawn 2 — 2 with Italy and beaten Ukraine 2 — 1 in their opening match.
The tournament hosts, Ukraine, drew 2 — 2 with Italy in their final match and so Ireland finished top of the table with seven out of a possible nine points. Italy advanced in second place.
Manager Sean McCaffrey was understandably elated by the team’s performances. Their win over Latvia extended their unbeaten run to seven matches since they won the Nordic Cup in August.
Republic of Ireland Squad
Garry Breen Manchester City
Karl Byrne Belvedere
Paul Cahillane Glasgow Celtic
Andrew Callaghan Millwall
Graham Carey Glasgow Celtic
Shane Duggan Fairview Rangers
Michael Daly Cherry Orchard
Terry Dixon Tottenham Hotspur
Gavin Donoghue Sunderland
Lorcan Fitzgerald West Ham United
Stephen Lawless Cherry Orchard
Thomas Lyons Crystal Palace
Donal McDermott Manchester City
Mark O’Toole Tottenham Hotspur
Shane Redmond Nottingham Forest
Cillian Sheridan Belvedere
Paul Skinner Glasgow Celtic
Corie Treacy Cherry Orchard
Manager
Sean McCaffrey
Teams Pld W D L GF GA Pts
Republic of Ireland 3 2 1 0 6 3 7
Italy 3 1 2 0 6 5 5
Ukraine 3 1 1 1 4 4 4
Latvia 3 0 0 3 1 5 0 |
