Late Clifford strike gives Ireland victory

SEÁN MCCAFFREY’S Irish U19 side yesterday qualified for the elite qualifying phase of the UEFA Championship’s but they were made to work hard for the victory against a very defensive Liechtenstein team with Chelsea’s Conor Clifford’s strike in the 84th minute proving to be the difference between the two teams.

Despite playing against the wind in the first half, the Irish started the game the much stronger of the two teams and McCaffrey’s men attacked in numbers early on and were nearly rewarded after two minutes when defender, Gavin Gunning’s powerful free-kick from the edge of the box was saved by Tichy in Liechtenstein’s goal.

Liechtenstein came close after 18 minutes when defender, Kaufmann blasted a free-kick from 25 yards but Ger Hanley in Ireland’s goal saved comfortably.