ASPIRE ACADEMY U-15 1 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U-15 6
Five second half goals helped the Republic of Ireland Under-15 begin their season with victory today when they faced the Aspire Academy in Doha.
In the first of this weeks double-header, Ireland dominated possession but only translated their superiority into a clutch of goals after the break.
Ireland had the chance of taking an early lead only for Richie Purdys penalty to be expertly saved by the Aspire goalkeeper.
St. Kevins Boys midfielder Purdy was not denied from a second spot-kick, awarded shortly afterwards, and fired Ireland ahead.
Niall Harrisons Irish side continued to press but were set back by an Aspire equaliser scored against the run of play shortly before the break.
There was much to admire about the intricate passing of Ireland in the second half and it seemed inevitable the lead would be regained.
Harrison made four changes on the hour and one of the substitutes, Cemal Ramadan from Ipswich Town, seized upon a chance soon after his introduction and smashed the ball home for 2-1.
Another goal by Ramadan put the Irish in command before three more arrived through Dan Casey, Ramadas hat-trick goal, and Jesse Devers.
"It was a very pleasing performance from the players, not just the result but also the style of football they played," said Harrison afterwards.
"Even when Aspire defended in numbers, the team kept patient and found the openings with some excellent passing and crossing."
Ireland will play their second and final game of this weeks double-header against Aspire on Wednesday afternoon.
REP OF IRELAND: Evan Gaffney (Crumlin Utd); Jack Tuite (Cherry Orchard), Daniel Tobin (St. Kevins Boys), Shane Whelan (Lourdes Celtic), Evan Osam (St. Kevins Boys); Richie Purdy (St. Kevins Boys), Cian Fogarty (Woodlawn/Sportslink), Kyle McCarthy (Midleton); Shane Elworthy (St. Kevins Boys), Andrew Brown (Malahide United), Derek Daly (Lourdes Celtic).
Substitutions: Cemal Ramadan (Ipswich Town) for Brown, Conor Melody (Mervue United) for McCarthy, Anthony Breslin (St. Kevins Boys) for Daly, Dan Casey (St. Josephs Boys) for Fogarty (all 60 mins), Colm Deasy (Malahide United) for Tuite, Jesse Devers (Manulla) for Elworthy (both 70 mins), James Talbot (Home Farm) for Gaffney (75 mins). |
