ASPIRE ACADEMY U-16 4 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U-15 0
The Republic of Ireland Under-15s were defeated by an older and more physical Aspire Academy team tonight (Wednesday) in Doha.
Having beaten Aspires Under-15s 6-1 in Tuesdays season opener two days ago, a much-changed Irish team were facing an uphill task when the Qatar academy put out their finest talent from a year above.
Despite the margin of defeat, though, Niall Harrisons team created a number of chances on the night – hitting the bar on two occasions – and the scoreline flattered the hosts.
"Aspires Under-16s were too well oiled a machine for our boys to match them today," said Harrison afterwards.
"The difference of a year in age between the teams made a huge difference. The physical power of the Aspire players would be much further ahead than our lads.
"We have to remember that these Aspire players have trained together six days a week for the last five years.
"Thats why todays game was such a huge test. And I was pleasantly surprised how our players played against such a strong team.
"We did not deserve the win the game - Aspire had much more possession than us for that – but 0-4 was harsh on the lads."
The home side were three goals to the goal by the break, one of which came by virtue of a dubious penalty decision, and Cemal Ramadan had seen his effort crash off the crossbar in Irelands best opening.
Ireland came more into the contest after the interval though Aspires slick passing ensured they held the upperhand.
Conor Melody was inches away from reducing the arrears with an effort that beat the goalkeeper yet clattered off the woodwork.
REP OF IRELAND: James Talbot (Home Farm); Jack Tuite (Cherry Orchard), Shane Whelan (Lourdes Celtic), Colm Deasy (Malahide United), Anthony Breslin (St. Kevins Boys); Kyle McCarthy (Midleton), Dan Casey (St. Josephs Boys), Conor Melody (Mervue United); Shane Elworthy (St. Kevins Boys), Cemal Ramadan (Ipswich Town), Jesse Devers (Manulla).
Substitutions: Daniel Tobin (St. Kevins Boys) for Whelan – inj (5 mins), Richie Purdy (St. Kevins Boys) for McCarthy (50 mins), Evan Osam (St. Kevins Boys) for Breslin, Cian Fogarty (Woodlawn/Sportslink) for Tuite, Andrew Brown (Malahide United) for Devers, Derek Daly (Lourdes Celtic) for Elworthy (all 60 mins), Evan Gaffney (Crumlin Utd) for Talbot (85 mins). |
