Wales 0-2 Republic of Ireland
Conor Byrne 60
Chris Lyons 70
A home-based Republic of Ireland squad registered a well deserved victory over Wales in an Under-18 friendly game played in Holyhead on Wednesday.
Due to the commitments of Under-18 head coach Paul Doolin with his Under-19 squad, Harry McCue took charge of a workout which gave both nations the chance of showcasing the domestic talent on the international stage.
Ireland goalkeeper Greg Murray of Bohemians was forced to make a double save in the first few minutes to keep the sides level while Tony McNamee was denied during the first half with a shot after Michael Barker (Bohemians), Mark Hughes (UCD) and Gary Merritt (Finn Harps) had linked up well to create the chance.
With Irelands central defence pairing of James Casserley (Mervue) and Pat Seery (Bohemians) controlling matters, Ireland built on their strong platform and won the match with goals from two substitutes.
Conor Byrne of Mervue United broke the deadlock on the hour with a beautifully executed finish and his fellow attacker, Chris Lyons, added the second ten minutes later.
The game proved very productive game then with next seasons UEFA qualifiers in mind. It was the first international action for 10 members of the squad.
Republic of Ireland: Greg Murray (Bohemians); Michael Barker (Bohemians), Patrick Seery (Bohemians), James Casserley (Mervue United), Colm McLaughlin (Sligo Rovers); Raymond Foy (Derry City), Mark Hughes (UCD), Gary Merritt (Finn Harps), Sean Russell (UCD); Tony McNamee (Derry City), Barry Sheedy (Limerick FC)
Subs: Conor O Malley (Westport United) for Murray, John Mountney (Mervue United) for Foy, Gary Buckley for Hughes, Colm Horgan (Cork City) for Merritt, Conor Byrne (Mervue United) for Russell, Ross McCarthy (Cork City) for McNamee, Chris Lyons (Bohemians) for Sheedy. |
