Late Rice strike earns Republic undeserved win

Northern Ireland U23s 0 Republic of Ireland U23s 1

A late, late winner from Stephen Rice earned the Republic an undeserved win at Mourneview Park to leave them needing a point from their final match against Belgium in the Autumn to make the final of the International Challenge Trophy.

The goal came on 91 minutes when Shamrock Rovers' midfielder Rice dived low to head home skipper Paul Keegan's superb free-kick from the right.

A ridiculous row over the colour of socks delayed kick-off by 20 minutes with the North relenting to switch from white to blue.

Apart from a brilliant save by Dwayne Nelson from Dave Mooney, the North ran the first half with Conor Kenna having to head clear off the Republic's bar from Thomas Stewart. Irish League top scorer Peter Thompson then shot against a post before Linfield team-mate Jamie Mulgrew shot just wide from 30 yards.

The North remained on top into the second half with Barry Holland and Thompson coming close before Rice struck to earn the Republic a win they never deserved.