Republic of Ireland 1 Belgium 2
A brace from AA Gent striker, Raman Benito, ensured that Belgium maintained a per cent record in the FAI U15 Midlands International Tournament at Lissywoollen in Athlone. Evergreen FC striker, Michael Drennan had pulled the hosts level in the second half but in the end John Morling's side must settle for runners-up spot in the tournament.
In an explosive opening to the game, Belgium pushed forward in search of an early opener.
They were rewarded after only five minutes when Benito Raman scored his first goal of the match. A defensive error teed up the ball for Raman from ten yards out and he volleyed the ball past Joseph Coll in the Irish goal - giving him no chance.
The Irish fought their way back into the game in a closely fought midfield battle with Darren O'Donoghue and Jason Keane fighting hard against a very physical Belgium outfit.
The Irish were on terms three minutes after half time through the boot of Michael Drennan. Belvedere's Eoin Hyland cleverly created some space down the right hand flank and he delivered a pin-point cross onto the boot of Drennan which he flicked it into the back of the net from ten yards.
With the game hanging in the balance, the turning point came with the introduction of Belgium striker, Nathan Kabasele. Within minutes of his introduction, the RSC Anderlecht target man burst through the Irish defence and he squared it to Raman Benito who calmly applied the finish to put the Belgians ahead.
In today's other game, Lithuania ended their losing streak by defeating rivals, Latvia 2-1 in a closely fought battle.
Republic of Ireland: Joseph Coll, Eoin Hyland, Shane Griffin, Luke Gallagher (C), Brandon Miele,Darren O’Donoghue, Michael Drennan, Kealan Dillon, Jamie McGlynn, Noe Baba, Jason Keane
Substitutes: Ian Lawlor (GK), Jamie Smith (on for Noe Baba), Michael Hyland (on for Jason Keane), Drew Armstrong, Adam Evans (on for Kealan Dillon), Robert Lehane, Carel Tiofack (on for Jamie McGlynn)
Referee: Eugene Deering
Midlands International Tournament Results
Tuesday, February 10 (At Leah Victoria Park, Tullamore)
Latvia 3-4 Belgium
Republic of Ireland 5-0 Lithuania
Wednesday, February 11 (At Mullingar Athletic FC)
Belgium 10-0 Lithuania
Republic of Ireland 2-2 Latvia
Friday, February 13 (At Lissywoolen Stadium, Athlone)
*Lithuania 2-1 Latvia
Republic of Ireland 1-2 Belgium. |
