The Republic of Ireland Under-18 team struck late to win the first of this week's double-header away to Cyprus today (Tuesday 7 April).
FC Carlow’s Darragh Walshe opened the score sheet after 31 minutes after the Cypriot goalkeeper made a mistake in the box. A scramble ensued with Walshe punishing the mistake by slotting the ball into the Cyprus net.
Cyprus had to wait until a minute before half time to equalise but did it in impressive fashion with a great goal from Fylaktou. Another chance followed for the hosts when Finn Harps 'keeper Ciaran Gallagher parried across to the Cyprus striker who hit the post and should have scored.
Ireland came back midway through the second half and had a goal disallowed. Drogheda United’s William Woods scored but it was ruled out to an earlier foul for handball.
Republic of Ireland Coach Harry McCue used the second half to make five substitutions which paid off.
Two substitutes combined to create the winning goal with four minutes left on the clock. James Keohane who came on in the 80th minute played in late substitute Carl McPherson who coolly slotted home from 15 yards.
Ireland will play Cyprus again on Thursday 9th April.
The Republic of Ireland Under-18 squad in action this week consists of players who are playing their club football in Ireland.
Republic of Ireland: Ciaran Gallagher (Finn Harps), Jason Dwane (Home Farm), Andrew Boyle (UCD), Kalen Spillane (Carrigaline United), Ciaran Coll (Finn Harps), Ian Storan (Limerick), Simon Holland (Carrigaline United), Paul Corry (Belvedere), Jason Hughes (Limerick), Darragh Walshe (FC Carlow), William Woods (Drogheda United)
Subs: Paul Scally (Mervue United) for Jason Hughes (88 mins), Carl McPhearson (Carrigaline United) for Simon Holland (80mins), Jimmy Keohane (Wexford Youths) for Darragh Walshe (80 mins), Lee Dixon (Bohemians) for Ciaran Coll (66 mins), Shane Howard (Belvedere) for William Woods (84 mins)
Unused subs: Chris Kerr (Drogheda United), Ronan Forde (Salthill Devon). |