Irish U19s fail to fire as Norway hold out
SOCCER: Morien Strand’s 23rd-minute goal for Norway proved the difference between the teams at the Carlisle Grounds last night, as the Republic Of Ireland U19s lost their first game in more than a year.
With Sam Byrne continuing to be isolated in his role as lone front man, Norway remained in control upon the resumption, but the introduction of Manchester City star Jack Byrne did add an extra dimension to Ireland’s play.
Yet, despite their best endeavours, it wasn’t until the 80th minute when Paul Doolin’s side truly threatened to restore parity, when Heigre needed to produce a spectacular stop from a speculative Byrne effort.
This was as close as Ireland came, though, and they will look to make amends when the sides renew acquaintances in the UCD Bowl tomorrow.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Grimes; Long, McFadden, O’Connell (McConnell 79), Finnegan; O’Halloran, Baba, Mulhall (Browne 72), Mulraney (Coyne 66); Wixted (J Byrne 58); S Byrne.
NORWAY: Heigre; Jones (Antonsen 91), Uivik, Bergan, Hoibraten; Tronstad (Qaka 58), Strand, Skaanes; Bytyqi (Hursnes 79), Troen (Sorloth 46), Finne.
Referee: P Brady (Irl).
Daire Walsh