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| U17s continue on winning way in Nordic Cup |  |
| The
Republic of Ireland U17 team faced host nation Iceland in their second
Group A match this afternoon in Keflavik, some 30 kilometres south of
Reykjavik. Iceland, who had succumbed rather easily to Denmark in their
opening match, put in a much improved performance and contained all of
Ireland’s efforts until the final twenty minutes of the match.
Manager Sean McCaffrey gave a debut to American born central defender Conor Murphy from South Central Premier, Connecticut, USA. He was joined in the starting line up by the Cherry Orchard pair, Michael Daly and Corie Treacy who had made their debuts as substitutes in the opening fixture. The exciting and talented West ham United left back, Lorcan Fitzgerald captained the side. In what was a generally disappointing first half performance, Ireland flattered to deceive and largely struggled to take control of the game. The hosts were made of much sterner stuff than had perhaps been anticipated following their four nil defeat the previous afternoon. Incidents of note and goal attempts were conspicuous by their absence throughout the half. Ireland came out for the second half in a more positive frame of mind and gradually began to take command of the game. The introduction of the Manchester City pair, Garry Breen and Donal McDermott for Murphy and Day brought additional experience to the fray. Sean McCaffrey brought Terry Dixon of Tottenham Hotspur, the final squad player to get an opportunity, on in the sixtieth minute and ten minutes later Dixon gave Ireland the lead. Confidence grew following the goal and Ireland began to dominate affairs with a number of chances being created. In the eightieth minute, Ireland was awarded a penalty and Belvedere’s Karl Byrne scored comfortably. This was Byrne’s final act of the game as he was then replaced by his club mate Killian Sheridan for the final ten minutes. Ireland will now meet Denmark in their final group game at the Kapavogsvoller Stadium on Friday afternoon with a place in the final, almost certainly against England, at stake. This is likely to be a very tough encounter and will test the ability, character and resolve of these young players. Starting
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