Finns too strong for Irish U-15s

Republic of Ireland 2, Finland 3

Despite creating the lions share of the chances, Ireland were unable to make them tell as a second-half double from Werner Kaitila and an early goal by Jani Backman insured the Finns victory after Ireland had fought back from 2-0 down to draw level early in the second-half.

Ireland’s striker Garreth Edwards and midfielder Gary Dunphy both created dangerous chances early in the game before Finland took the lead after nine minutes through Backman stroked the ball home from six yards.

Ireland continued to dominate the first-half but failed to beat Finland’s goalkeeper Oskar Forsman and were hit by a sucker punch early in the second half when substitute Kaitila scored after beating the Irish offside trap.

Moments later Ireland pulled one back when Owen Garvan tapped home Eoin Doyle’s cross and a few minutes later again Edwards hammered home the equaliser.

Minutes later a lack of concentration in the Irish defence allowed Kaitila in for what was the winning goal.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U15: Henderson (Belvedere), Aylward (Clonmel Town), Ormonde (Tramore), O’Connor (Lakewood), Malee (Cherry Orchard), Dunphy (Ferrybank), Doyle (Shelbourne), O’Sullivan (Peake Villa), Garvan (Home Farm). Subs: Nickelson for Henderson (half time), McKeever (Cherry Orchard) for O’Sullivan (47 mins), Kirkpatrick (Stoke City) for O’ Connor (47 mins), Gleeson (Cherry Orchard) for Doyle (60 mins), Barrett (Kilmallock) for Garvin (60 mins).

FINLAND: Forsman, Marttila, Toivio, Tanska, Salminen, Backman, Reinikainen, Vesapuisto, Pyykkola, Kolehmainen, Ojala. Sub: Kaipila for Backman (half time).

Referee: T. Tomney (Dublin).