Victory gives U16s Runners-up Spot

Vincent Butler’s Republic of Ireland Under16 side became embroiled in nerve tingling theatre during the closing minutes of their final Val de Marne International Tournament fixture with Norway.

Having coasted to an early two goal lead, ‘Butlers Boys’ saw their advantage halved with eight minutes remaining on the clock. In a flurry of drama, the resilient Norwegians equalised with two minutes to go but Ireland would not be upstaged and as the final curtain was about to fall, produced the proverbial ‘rabbit from the hat’ with a goal to close the show and earn the well merited plaudits of victory.

The game had commenced in laudable fashion for Ireland as they raced into a two goal lead within the first ten minutes. After six minutes, the exciting Home Farm youngster, Ian Daly, created the opening, which enabled Cherry Orchard’s Michael Collins to score with cool composure. The same pair combined again four minutes later, with Collins this time providing Daly with the opportunity, which he converted with aplomb.

The remainder of the first half was played in an unflustered manner with both sides showing signs of their arduous programme of matches. The Irish back four of Mark Nolan, Paul Honohan, David Joyce and Daniel Langan stood firm in defence and did not allow their opponents to bring any real pressure to bear on goalkeeper Kieron Thorp of Charlton Athletic. Ireland, for the most part controlled the midfield area where James O’Brien and the youngest member of the squad, Conor Clifford played with calm assurance.

The second half got under way with Norway making three of their permitted substitutions. This clearly signalled a change of gameplan by the Norwegians, which was evidenced by their immediate emphasis on all out attack. Their approach reaped its’ reward when a difficult delivery into the penalty area was parried by Thorp and the loose ball was driven home by Andreas Jansen. Norway continued their assault on the Irish goal and Jansen was again on hand with moments remaining, to score a close range equaliser.

The final act unfolded in added time when Craig Duggan from Cork side Kilreen Celtic, produced the most delicate of chips to bring all in attendance to their feet as the ball nestled in the back of the Norwegian net. The 3-2 victory ensured that Ireland finished as runners-up to host nation France in what was a high class competition involving four quality sides.

Manager Vincent Butler expressed his delight with the performance of his squad throughout the Tournament, which was further embellished by winning the Fair Play award, having incurred only one yellow card over the three games.

Team
Kieron Thorp (Charlton Athletic);
Mark Nolan (Shelbourne), Paul Honohan (Wilton United), David Joyce (Castlebar Celtic), Daniel Langan (Belvedere);
Eric Foley (Home Farm), Conor Clifford (Crumlin United), James O’Brien (Cherry Orchard), Adrian Moyles (QPR);
Ian Daly (Home Farm), Michael Collins (Cherry Orchard).

Substitutes
James Doyle (Home Farm) for Foley (40 minutes), Conor McCormack (Belurgan) for Clifford (40 minutes), Craig Duggan (Kilreen Celtic) for Collins (50 minutes) and Gary Frewen (St Michaels) for Moyles (55 minutes).

Unused Substitutes
Kevin O’Brien (Douglas Hall), Dean Marshall (Shelbourne), Niall McArdle (Home Farm).