Head Coach Colin O’Brien saw his Republic of Ireland U17 side secure a three one victory over Montenegro in Turner’s Cross this Friday evening to qualify for the Elite Stage of the 2020 UEFA European Championship with a match to spare.
Montenegro proved stubborn opponents and repelled all of our attacks until the 57th minute when Ben McCormack made the breakthrough. Our sigh of relief lasted barely thirty seconds as our opponents scored an immediate equaliser. Ireland re-grouped and centre back Anselmo Garcia-McNulty restored the lead in the 65th minute. This time there was no relaxation and McCormack scored his second on 81 minutes to ensure victory.
Earlier in the afternoon in Cobh, Andorra whom we had thrashed six nil created quite a shock with a one nil defeat of Israel who had defeated Montenegro in their opening contest.
Ireland will next face Israel in Turner’s Cross at 2pm next Monday afternoon in their concluding fixture.
Team:
D Rose; G O’Brien (C), L Kavanagh, AG McNulty, T Adaramola; K Conway, B McCormack, C Conroy; S Armstrong, E Ferguson, R Mahon
Substitutes:
O O’Neill for Mahon 66′