Under-18 Friendly International
Macedonia 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Eliver Nurisi 56
The Republic of Ireland Under-18s were beaten by a solitary Macedonia goal on Tuesday in the first of this weeks double-header friendly played at the Ohrid City Stadium.
In a game of few chances, the first goal was always going to be crucial and, when Eliver Nurisi grabbed it with a crisp finish on 56 minutes, the home side held their lead and limited Ireland to a couple of chances.
Ireland's Aaron McCarey was first goalkeeper to be tested as early as the 10th minute when he faced down Macedonias key striker as he raced through on goal. The Wolves stopper stood tall and foiled the forwards attempted chip.
Daryl Horgan, earning his first cap at this level, whipped in a dangerous free-kick on the half hour mark that Irish centre-back was inches away from connecting with.
But the home side always possessed an attacking threat and, two minutes, McCarey was equal to a close-range shot which looked set to open the scoring.
Ireland manager Sean McCaffrey made three changes at the break, introducing midfielders Stephen McDonnell and Craig Walsh along with Michael Rafter up front.
And while the changes sparked a spell of Ireland pressure early in the first half, they could not capitalise and were instead stung by the concession of a goal.
Nurisi was the player most alert when Ireland tried to play out from the back and. once the striker dispossessed the defender, he kept his nerve to angle a shot past a helpless McCarey.
Ireland responded well, moving the ball with pace down the flanks and Rafter was unlucky to see his shot from 20 yards tipped over the crossbar 14 minutes from the end.
There was one more opportunity for Ireland to secure a draw on 86 minutes but the Macedonia goalkeeper produced a splendid double-save to deny Hendricks header and the follow-up shot by Horgan.
Republic of Ireland: McCarey (Wolves); Harriman (QPR), Folan (Newcastle United), O Connor (Blackburn Rovers), Joyce (Reading); Stewart (Belvedere), Hendrick (Derby County), Quinn (Fulham), Horgan (Salthill Devon); Keegan (unattached), Murphy (Shamrock Rovers).
Substitutions: McDonnell (Dundalk) for Quinn, Walsh (Shamrock Rovers) for Murphy, Rafter (Colchester United) for Stewart (all h/t), Fitzsimons (Milwall) for Harriman (61 mins), Murray (Sheffield United) for Keegan (71 mins), Ferdinand (Southend United) for O Connor (84 mins).
Under-18 Friendly Internationals
Tuesday May 11
Macedonia 1-0 Republic of Ireland - Ohrid City Stadium
Thursday May 13
Macedonia v Republic of Ireland - Ohrid City Stadium (4.30pm). |
