Under-17 International Friendly
Republic of Ireland 2 - 0 Belarus
Satelle 54, 60
Darragh Satelle maintained his golden goal-scoring streak by netting both goals for Ireland in this afternoon’s win over Belarus.
The match was deadlocked at nil-all early in the second half when the Crumlin United striker opened the scoring. Satelle put the outcome beyond doubt six minutes later with another strike.
Satelle proved to be a top marksman at the recent Foyle Cup win by the FAI Development Squad. He was one of the 18-player squad, selected from home-based clubs, to lift the coveted trophy at the event held in Derry.
Belarus went into today’s contest on the back of a 1-0 win over hosts Lithuania on Saturday. Ireland were tested today by a powerful Belarus side but delivered two goals to claim the points.
Satelle collected his first goal following a defensive-splitting pass from Conor Clifford. The striker controlled the ball before firing a shot past the Belarus goalkeeper to give Ireland a precious lead.
Huddersfield Town striker David Heagney was only on the pitch a minute as a substitute when he played a part in Ireland second goal on the hour mark.
He linked up well with Conor Hourihane in a passing movement before the ball popped up for Satelle to slam home with a clinical finish.
Irish attacker Paul Murphy was lively in the first half, creating a number of openings. The Ipswich Town player blasted over from 25-yards midway through the half and less than sixty seconds later, Karl Sheppard set up the chance for Murphy but his shot was well saved.
Today’s match was the first of three games for the Irish squad in the space of five days at the friendly tournament.
They are next in action on Tuesday against hosts Lithuania before participating in a third game on Thursday against opposition to be decided.
These three matches are designed as warm-up for the Under-17 European Championship first phase qualifying mini-group, which Ireland are due to host from 14th – 19th of September.
Ireland will face Ukraine, Denmark and the Slovenia in a tough UEFA qualifying group in September, with the top two nations certain to advance into next year’s Elite phase.
Republic of Ireland Under-17 team v Belarus:
Harry Lee - Charlton Athletic
Pauric Ormsby – St. Kevin’s Boys
John Dunleavy - Wolverhampton Wanderers
Mark Power - Aston Villa
Kallum Keane - Derby County
Conor Clifford - Chelsea
Gearoid Morrissey - Ringmahon Rangers (c)
Conor Hourihane - Sunderland
Darragh Satelle - Crumlin United
Paul Murphy - Ipswich Town
Karl Sheppard - Everton
Subs:
David Heagney – Huddersfield Town for Sheppard (59 mins)
Paul Corry - Belvedere for Clifford (75 mins)
Ireland’s results and fixtures in Lithuania are as follows:
Sunday 19th August
Republic of Ireland 2 - 0 Belarus – 4pm, Irish time
Tuesday, 21st August
Lithuania v Republic of Ireland – 4pm, Irish time
Thursday, 23rd August |
