Soccer: Schools International

England 1 Republic of Ireland 0

The Republic of Ireland’s Schools team seven year unbeaten run over England ended last evening when they lost by a goal to nil in their annual fixture, which was played at Lowestoft.

In an even and entertaining match, it was a goal of superlative quality that was to decide the game and it was fitting that it came from a local boy. Substitute Alex Harrison was on the pitch just ten minutes when he pounced on an Irish error and as the ball seemed to bobble in front of him, the Suffolk teenager unleashed a powerful right footed strike that looped over Paul Ferry into the top corner, eleven minutes from time.

Deep in injury time, the Irish almost secured a deserved equaliser when a Michael Buckley header crashed off the crossbar and moments later, Billy Manley had another header cleared off the line.

The Irish had made most of the running with Lorcan Cronin testing goalkeeper Simon Arthur on more than one occasion. The excellent Kevin Walsh in midfield and captain Alan McCormack were in control throughout the ninety minutes and Ferry in the Irish goal had just one save to make before the goal.

Early in the second half, in the best move of the game, Cronin went close, forcing a superb diving save from Arthur after good work down the left flank from Sean Murphy.

English blushes were also saved by Anthony Stazicker on seventy one minutes when he reacted quickly to clear the ball off the goal line after Billy Manley reacted quickest to a loose ball from a corner.

Ireland open their Celtic Cup defence on Friday week when they travel to take on Wales at Aberdare while a week later they complete their campaign when Northern Ireland are the visitors to Century Homes Park in Monaghan.