England 0-1 Republic of Ireland

Robbie Benson (78)

The Boys U18 Schools International team captured the Centenary Shield last night after a second half goal from Athlone’s Robbie Benson secured the silverware for Dave Archbold’s side.

The match was televised live from Pirelli Stadium, home of Burton Albion as hosts England only required a draw to retain the title.

The Irish fielded an impressive starting eleven which saw Dundalk’s Nathan Murphy return to the squad and a strike partnership of Robbie Benson and Castleisland’s Sean Brosnan.

Ireland started the brighter with the visitors enjoying much of the possession. Horgan and Skelly were impressive in the opening twenty minutes and the English midfield was struggling to get into the game with their familiar 3-5-2 formation.

The industrious Daryl Horgan came excruciatingly close to a fantastic opener on 21 minutes as he picked up on a perfectly placed ball from Benson. Horgan lobbed Andrew Molloy with ease however a goal line clearance from defender Kelly saved the English’s blushes.

The strike partnership of Brosnan and Benson was working well as the duo were very lively upfront and causing all sorts of problems for the English defence.

Ireland were tactically more advanced with the team displaying 2/3 touch football, moving the ball quickly around the park with ease and more notably, the English hadn’t time to close the visitors down.

The desire and work rate of Brosnan was fantastic as the Irish pressed forward with determination.

The Irish defence was solid with Captain Boyle, Nolan and Dwane playing superbly. It was testament to their endeavours as Keeper McGinty was rarely called into action in the first half. The Donegal teenager was flawless with a number of fine catches under pressure.

England eventually settled into the game with the interval fast approaching and it was youngster Boyce who had the best opportunity for the hosts after a great through ball from Gater in midfield. Boyce’s effort sailed over the crossbar much to the relief of the Irish contingency.

With the first half drawing to a close, Tim Rivers tested McGinty forcing him to save.

England made two changes at half time with Whitham and Regis replacing Gater and Boyce while Ireland took the opportunity to introduce Stephen Chambers for Hanlon.

Six minutes in, Benson’s deflected effort almost took the ball out of reach of Molloy but the ball drifted wide off the marker.

The English were awarded a free kick on 56 minutes and Hancock played a near perfect ball into the box, Williams rose highest and his decent effort was nodded past the woodwork.

Gary Shaw was introduced for the impressive Brosnan just over the hour mark as Manager Dave Archbold restructured the Irish formation.

Archbold noted the Irish build up was excellent but it was lacking the final product and needed to be corrected thus Shaw, Skelly and Benson were requested to move forward.

England was exerting quite a bit of pressure in the final thirty minutes of the game. Hancock was again the supplier as he put Reece Yorke through but the presence of Tomas Boyle was enough to put the English midfielder off.

Jake Carroll was introduced for the injured Nathan Murphy on 69 minutes.

Nine minutes later, Ireland broke the deadlock when Sean Skelly pressed forward on the counter attack. His quick feet saw the ball released to Gary Shaw who in turn played the ball back to him. Skelly’s crafty step over found Benson in space who made no mistake as he buried the ball to the back of the net. It was a well deserved goal for the Irish as they performed well for the majority of the match play.

The Irish defence played a pivotal role in the late stages with England targeting Williams and Kelly on all set pieces. A nervous final ten for the visitors saw Bonagee clubman McGinty called into action. His confident display between the posts denied Rivers while Boyle’s presence was enough to see off the danger men of Williams and Kelly.

Sean Skelly nearly extended Ireland’s lead at the other end with a crisp free kick on 83 minutes but Adam Molloy got down well to save.

Whitham had a decent strike on goal two minutes later but there was too much power in the strike and the ball rose high into the stand.

England grew in confidence as Kelly chested down to produce a snap shot on goal. McGinty was well positioned and produced a fine save to deny the defender.

Templeogue College student Niall Cooney replaced Hugh Douglas as the game headed into injury time.

With four minutes of additional time played, 16 year old Tom Boakye was gifted the best chance of the game as he noticed McGinty of his line. The ball crept in and off the crossbar for an agonising finish to England’s campaign.

The Irish were fortunate when Kenny Reeves advanced on goal in the last few seconds but he stumbled at a critical moment and the danger was averted.

Ireland’s last title was captured in 2008 as they defeated England 1-0 in the Stadium of Light. This feat was repeated for the Irish on Friday night as Captain Tomas Boyle stepped up to accept the Shield for the Irish. A wonderful occasion for the Schools International setup which sees them capture the title for the fifth time in eight years.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Marty McGinty (Deele College), Brian Nolan (St Paul’s CC), Jason Dwane (St. Peter’s College), Tomas Boyle (Salesian College), Nathan Murphy (Colaiste Ris); Adam Hanlon (Arklow Community College), Hugh Douglas (St. Brendan’s College), Sean Skelly (St. Joseph’s Fairview), Daryl Horgan (St. Enda’s College, Galway), Sean Brosnan (St. Patrick’s SS, Castleisland) , Robbie Benson (Marist College)

Subs used: Stephen Chambers (St. Fintan’s) for Hanlon (h/t), Gary Shaw (Patrician SS) for Brosnan (61), Jake Carroll (Confey CC, Leixlip) for Murphy (69), Niall Cooney (Templeogue College) for Douglas (90),

Other Subs: Josh Byrne (De La Salle), Daragh Walshe (St. Kieran’s College), Barry O’Mahony (Summerhill College, Sligo),

MANAGEMENT: Dave Archbold, Manager (Palmerstown Community School), Ollie Horgan, Assistant Manager (St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny), Hugh Colhoun, Coach (St. Laurence College, Loughlinstown), Ian Carry, GK Coach (FAI Schools Development Officer), Mickey McGlynn (Physiotherapist), Dr. Tom Boyce (Doctor)

ENGLAND: Molloy, Yorke, Kelly, Williams, Boakye, Boyce, Hancock (Capt), Gater, Whitehead, Rivers, Reeves

Subs: Whitham for Gater (h/t), Regis for Boyce (h/t), Thompson Brown for Whitehead (83)