Juniors win opener in Umbro Cup

The Irish Junior International side got off to a winning start in Rathfriland tonight beating the Isle of Man in the Umbro quadrangular tournament.

A goal 4 minutes from tie settled it scored by Keith Harnett. It was a scrappy goal but well deserved in a game dominated by Ireland.

Scotland and Northern Ireland make up the tournament. the Scots were 2 up on NI in Drumaness close to halkf time but I didn't hear a result.

We play NI tomorrow night in Banbridge and Scotland on saturday at the same venue.

Hey gspain, thanks for the information. What age bracket are these juniors?

Don't think there's any age restrictions, it's made up of lads from the AUL and LSL isn't it? Gerry Smith still managing them?

It's junior football all over the country. Probably the players that impress in the Junior Cup. I think Gerry is still the manager all right.

A couple of Limerick lads on the team incl Brian Buckley who played LoI with us. Ross Cosgrove on the bench. Big Tipperary showing (6 I think) incl St. Michaels, Carrick and Clonmel town.

NI are picking players from their championship sides eg Limavady, Loughgall, Donegal Celtic etc so they should be stronger. We meet tonight at 5.45pm in Banbridge.

1-1 draw v Northern Ireland tonight in Banbridge. NI picked players from the championship in the Irish League (equivalent of our 1st division) so decent result.

In truth we could and should have won. Dominated the first half before an dafter a 10th minute lead goal. One of our strikers Michael Duffy or Niall Andrews put it in after the other won a challenge with the keeper.
NI came back into it after the break and equalised on 67 mins with a deflected freekick. We had chances to win it late on and a strong penalty appeal turned down.

Scotland drew 2-2 with the Isle of Man. If we beat Scogtland on saturday we win the tournament.

Final match is at 2.30pm on saturday v Scotland in Crystal Park Banbridge approx 80 mins from Dublin. Motorway most of the way, head through Banbridge and take right turn for Castlewellan/Newcastle.
Ground is just past the police station and take first left. £4 for adults and £2 for children. Why not go up and support our junior side?

Juniors lost 2-1 today. Battled bravely and dominated for long spells but in vain. Scotland scored in their first attack after 5 minutes, keeper made a good save but rebound fell kindly and was
finished well from trhe edge of the box. A very vey dubious penalty made it 2-0 after approx 30 mins. It was given for handball. Ireland missed a host of chances and were reduced to 10 men when number 13 (didn't get his name) ws sent off on the lino's advice. He appeared mystified and nobody around me knew why he was sent off. Nei ??? from Evergreen bundled in a goal 5 minutes form time to set up a grandstand finish
but Scotland held on.

Decent Irish support today too although crowd was approx 120.