Scotland U16s fell to a disappointing 1-0 loss to Northern Eire of their second Victory Protect match on Thursday at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld.
The hosts got here into the conflict off the again of a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Republic of Eire on Tuesday.
Plagued by expertise, Stephen Clarke’s younger facet created some probabilities however, in the long run, had been outdone by a resolute Northern Irish facet who had been scientific in entrance of objective.
The Match
The sport began with Scotland having fun with a lot of the ball.
Northern Eire’s Luke Hawe, although, had the primary alternative of the sport. The imposing Ballymena United striker was the point of interest up prime for the guests and flashed a shot simply off track within the first ten minutes.
Hawe’s effort was a warning shot for the younger Scots, and on 18 minutes, Northern Eire took the lead.
Jay Longridge opened up the play with a elegant ball out to Coran Madden on the right-hand facet. Halfway into the Scotland half, the vivacious attacker drove in the direction of objective and pulled the set off simply as he entered the field.
The 15-year-old – who was on trial with Arsenal in the summertime – discovered the bottom-left nook with a high-quality strike to place his nation forward.
Scotland pushed for a leveller after going behind. Cadamarteri had a shot from shut vary blocked however the Northern Irish defence remained cussed.
Goalkeeper Michael Doherty was busy in the direction of the tip of the primary half, denying Oliver Goodbrand from vary after which, seconds later, Caelan Cadamarteri with a terrific double save. His stops ensured his facet led on the break.
Scotland got here into the second 40 understanding they wanted a objective.
Stanley Wilson’s header flew simply off track at first of the second half, with Doherty then punching away a teasing supply from Cole Hay.
Northern Eire had been restricted to breakaway probabilities after the break. Scotland seemed to say their dominance within the sport and regularly pushed for a leveller in the direction of full-time.
Left-back and captain Goodbrand obtained up and down the wing with ease, however his efforts had been of no avail.
The guests defended their lead effectively within the closing levels, celebrating each ball received and resolution that went their method with the utmost ardour.
Nathan Meechan floated a number of set-pieces into harmful areas for Scotland within the final 10 minutes, but they simply couldn’t discover a late leveller.
An almighty roar went up from the visiting camp as referee Jamie McCunnie blew his full-time whistle.
Scotland will purpose to bounce again in opposition to Wales on Sunday.
Scotland Participant of the Match: Cole Hay
Hay remained a continuing attacking menace all through for Scotland. He chipped some good balls into the field and made use of his imposing bodily body.
Northern Eire Participant of the Match: Coran Madden
It’s straightforward to see why Arsenal took the 15-year-old on trial over the summer season. Madden remained full of life out extensive all through his time on the pitch and got here up with some particular person brilliance to attain the match-winner.
Scotland Magic Second: Meechan Deliveries
As Scotland looked for a late leveller, Celtic’s Nathan Meechan floated some elegant balls into the Northern Eire penalty field. None of his teammates might sadly latch onto the tip of them.
Northern Eire Magic Second: Madden Winner
Madden’s beautiful end into the underside nook after a mazy run from midfield was worthy of profitable any sport. {The teenager} wheeled away in celebration after netting a objective he’ll bear in mind for a very long time.
Scotland U16s
Kerr Reynolds
Arron McSporran
Oliver Goodbrand ©
Jack Dalziel
Callan Hamill
Nathan Meechan
Alfie Hutchison
Conor Daly
Caelan Cadamarteri
Rocco Di Giacomo
Max Cameron
Ben Vickery
Aaron Thomson
Lucas Weir
Stanley Wilson
Ben Hutton
Jamie Forrest
Harlem McLaughlin
Cole Hay
Connor Dow
Northern Eire U16s
Michael Doherty
Paul Stanfield
Sonny Trainor
Calum Anderson
Calum Woods
Freddie Murdock
Coran Madden
Caleb Sweeney
Luke Hawe
Emmet Morrison
Joel Kerr
Cole Smyth
Sean Cassidy
Charlie Campbell
Adam Dolan
Finlay Ross
Eamonn Tohill
Harry Gough
Jack Could
Jay Longridge