Under-15 International Friendly The Netherlands 3-1 Republic of Ireland
Carel Tiofack of Ballincollig grabbed a late consolation goal for the Republic of Ireland Under-15 on Thursday as they lost to the Netherlands in the second match of this week’s double-header at the Sportpark, Mulderssingel in Holland
Ireland manager John Morling kept by his promise to give all 18 players a good run-out over the two game by giving starts to all seven substitutes from the first game on Tuesday which Ireland narrowly lost 2-1.
The Dutch attacked from the off, putting the Irish defence under pressure and took the lead through Depay on seven minutes.
Luke Gallagher and Steven Smyth in the Irish rearguard were at their best to repel the Dutch forays but they were helpless to prevent Janssen doubling the home side’s advantage eight minutes before half-time.
The second half was more even with Ireland carving out a number of attempts on goal. Kealon Dillon and Brandon Miele were both unfortunate not to score but after Depay extended Holland’s lead, Ireland did pull a goal back through Carel Tiofak.
The Ballincollig striker took the chance with aplomb and could have reduced the deficit further when he was presented with another opening but didn’t manage to get a proper connection.
Ireland manager John Morling was pleased with the attitude shown by his players. “I think the team showed great character to fight back after losing two goals in the first half.
“We battled back in the second half and their performance over that period was the best of the season so far, in my view.
“Without question, the Dutch team were the best we’ve played this season and it was a tall order to win the matches. However, the players gained tremendous experience by playing against this opposition and it will stand to them in their football education.”
The last assignment of the campaign for this Under-15 comes next month when Morling select two squads, a total of 36 players, to participate in the annual Celtic tri-nations tournament in Cardiff featuring Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Republic of Ireland U15: Ian Lawlor - Home Farm Eoin Hyland - Belvedere Steven Smith – Arsenal Luke Gallagher - Home Farm Jamie McGlynn - Home Farm Michael Hyland - Millwall Drew Armstrong - St Joseph’s Boys Carel Tiofack - Ballincollig Ryan Coombes - Cherry Orchard Darren O'Donoghue - St Francis Jack Doherty - Waterford Bohemians
Substitutes: Jamie Smith - Cherry Orchard for Smyth Nathan Matthews - St Joseph’s Boys for E. Hyland Kealon Dillon – Belvedere for O’Donoghue Brandon Miele - Cherry Orchard for McGlynn Jason Keane – Bohemians for M. Hyland Michael Drennan – Evergreen for Doherty. |