Victory Shield still up grabs for NI

Northern Ireland U16 team went down 1-0 to England in front of a large crowd at Stangmore Park on Friday.
Northern Irelands David Parkhouse hassles Englands Lewis Thompson. Picture by Matt Mackey/Presseye.comNorthern Irelands David Parkhouse hassles Englands Lewis Thompson. Picture by Matt Mackey/Presseye.com
Northern Irelands David Parkhouse hassles Englands Lewis Thompson. Picture by Matt Mackey/Presseye.com

Local duo David Parkhouse and Conal Fagan played their part in the game.

The home side’s first attack came after 21 minutes when Liam McKenna sent Parkhouse racing away down the left but the striker dragged his shot wide of the goal.

Five minutes later a corner on the left was cleared to Sadou Diallo on the edge of the box but his low shot was well held by Conor Larkin.

After 33 minutes England went in front when Andre Dozzell free-kick over the wall was just inside Larkin’s left hand post to break the deadlock.

Early in the second half Liam McKenna missed a great opportunity to level the score when he headed wide from Matthew Lynch’s free-kick had picked him out.

Four minutes from the end it took a brilliant save by Ryan Sandford to deny the home side. Stephen Mallon fired a fierce volley which was dipping just under the bar but Sandford flung himself across the goal to tip the ball over the bar.

In the other tie on Friday night Wales defeated Scotland 2-1 to go to the top of the table. This means that the destination of the Victory Shield trophy will be decided at Ballymena on Thursday, November 20, when N Ireland face Wales.

A draw will be sufficient for Wales to lift the trophy outright for only the second time.

However, N Ireland can share the championship by defeating Wales.

The NISFA is offering free entrance to any school or youth group wishing to attend the game.

Send details by email [email protected].

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