8 November 2018; Festy Ebosele of Republic of Ireland scores his side’s first goal from a penalty during the U17 International Friendly match between Republic of Ireland and England at Tallaght Stadium in Tallaght, Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
The Ireland U17 side suffered a 3-1 defeat to England in the opening game of the UEFA Under-17 International Tournament in Tallaght Stadium tonight.
First half goals from Harvey Elliott and Alexander Mighten put England in control, although Mighten’s goal was cancelled out shortly afterwards by a penalty from Ireland’s Festy Ebosele, who was fouled in the box by Yunus Musah.
The momentum swung towards Ireland after England defender Dennis Cirken was sent off for two yellows just before the break, but despite having a number of second half chances it was the visitors who hit the net, with substitute Sam Greenwood clinching the win with a goal six minutes from time.
Afterwards, Ireland manager Colin O’Brien praised England but was impressed with how his side played.
“It was a great game for us to get against very good opposition,” O’Brien said.
“England are a quality side. I thought tonight we were very good for long periods. What the players learned tonight was that mistakes around the box can be punished.
“We had a brilliant response after England’s second goal. We deserved to score just before the break. Tonight was a fantastic education for the players. We’re disappointed to lose, but there was encouraging performances.”
The team return to action on Sunday afternoon. They play the Czech Republic in Tallaght Stadium at 3pm.
Republic of Ireland: Jimmy Corcoran; Seamas Keogh (capt), Luke Turner, Cian Kelly, James Furlong; Brandon Holt, Joe Hodge; Matt Everitt, Timi Sobowale (Joshua Giurgi 63), Festy Ebosele (Sean Kennedy 90+3); Conor Carty.
England: James Trafford (Louie Moulden 46); Yunus Musah, Nathan Wood-Gordon, Dynel Simeu, Dennis Cirken; Jensen Weir, Miguel Azeez, Fabio Carvalho (capt) (Hayden Roberts 46); Harvey Elliott (Benjamin Knight 77), Joe Gelhardt (Morgan Rogers 63), Alexander Mighten (Sam Greenwood 63).
Referee: Yigal Frid (Israel).
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