Under-15 Friendly match
Aspire Academy (Qatar) 0-2 Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland Under-15 team were comfortable victors against the Aspire Academy representative side in a game played on Tuesday afternoon in Doha, Qatar.
Ireland played with a tempo much quicker and sharper than the previous display on Sunday, when they lost 6-2 to a team comprised of Aspire’s graduates from Africa.
Vincent Butler’s Irish team gradually unlocked the home side’s defence and grabbed the lead on 27 minutes when a low shot drilled in by winger Gary Merritt ricocheted off a defender and rebounded into the net.
Ireland had the initiative and got a deserved second goal after 75 minutes after being awarded a penalty following a shove on midfielder Shane Byrne in the penalty area.
Substitute Anton Rodgers stepped up to convert the spot-kick, scoring his third goal in two games after netting both of Ireland’s goals in Sunday’s defeat.
More chances followed for the Irish but they completed the game as comfortable winners, which was extremely pleasing for manager Vincent Butler.
He said: “The team were back to their old selves in the second game and were excellent on the day. The tiredness from a long journey played a major part in our performance on Sunday but this match was a different story.
“It was a useful display, as we controlled possession for long periods during the match. We probably could have scored a few more goals but it was pleasing to get the performance and result.”
Ireland will play their third and final match of their tour against the Aspire Academy on Thursday.
Republic of Ireland U15 team:
Alan Smith - Springfield Ramblers
Neil Byrne - Belvedere F.C
Derrick Williams - Tramore AFC
Daniel Devine - Crumlin United
Michael Barker - Shelbourne
Gary Merritt - Milford United
Carl McHugh - Dungloe Town
Shane Byrne – Crumlin United
Ryan Markey - Shelbourne
Daniel Purdy - Crumlin United
Daniel McGuinness - Lourdes Celtic
Substitutes:
Conor Morrissey – Waterford Bohemians for Barker (40 mins)
Adam Pigott - Kingdom Boys for Markey (45 mins)
Anton Rogers – Chelsea for Purdy (45 mins)
James Kavanagh – Belvedere for Merritt (53 mins)
John O'Sullivan - Belvedere for S. Byrne (53 mins)
Robert Maloney - St. Joesph's Boys for Williams (70 mins)
Sean McDermott – IK VAG for Smith (70 mins).
Under-15 Friendly Games:
Sunday, February 24th
Aspire Academy (Africa) 6-2 Republic of Ireland
Tuesday, February 26th
Aspire Academy (Asia) 0-2 Republic of Ireland
Thursday, February 28th
Aspire Academy (Asia/Africa) v Republic of Ireland |
