FAI: REPORT | MU19 | Umeh double defeats Scotland

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Last time out, Tom Mohan’s men fell to a frustratingly narrow defeat in the second of their double-header friendlies with Bosnia & Herzegovina, having drawn the first, but on another day could have emerged victorious having chances to get ahead and also equalise in the second game.
And on Spain’s east coast and in 27 degree heat, the young Boys in Green were hoping to avoid a repeat of their last performance and looked to take the game to their geographical neighbours.
Following a confident start, Ireland went close to breaking the deadlock just after the quarter-hour mark when Cork City’s Joe O’Brien Whitmarsh linked up brilliantly with Crystal Palace dangerman Umeh, playing a neat one-two, before the latter narrowly missed the target.
The Scots responded well with a bout of pressure midway through the first half and began to dominate possession but were met by a strong Irish rearguard and the assured Drogheda United starlet Andrew Wogan just behind.
As the half drew to a close, Ireland began to play on the break due to the Scottish pressure, who themselves began to rack up the corner count (5 - 0 at the break) but again the green wall stood firm to whatever was thrown at them.
The much improved Irish youngsters started the second half brightly as the relentless midfield duo of Captain James McManus and Romeo Akachukwu continued to work tirelessly.*
And again it was Ireland who created the next clear cut chance. Mark O’Mahony showed great reactions to pick up a loose ball, before a razor sharp turn and shot that grazed the top of the bar.
Just before the hour mark Umeh, deservedly got his side in front following some excellent forward play by O’Mahony. Firstly Freddie Turley played a lovely ball from right back to the front man, who held up the ball well before spraying the ball out left to Umeh and the wide man did the rest, smashing home in off the woodwork.
Less than ten minutes later the deadly duo of O’Mahony and Umeh linked up brilliantly again for Ireland’s second. Conor Walsh, on as a half time substitute for Andrew Wogan, went long towards Brighton & Hove Albion’s O’Mahony who again cleverly flicked the ball on for Umeh to race clear and smash home under the onrushing keeper, sealing an excellent win.
Tom Mohan, his staff and players will now look forward to the second of their friendlies on Saturday morning against the Faroe Islands.
Ireland:*Andrew Wogan (Conor Walsh, 45’), Freddie Turley (Luke O’Regan, 72’), Lewis Temple (Cathal Heffernan, 58’), Jesse Dempsey (James Crawford, 72’), James McManus (Senan Mullen, 86’), Romeo Akachukwu (Darius Lipsuic, 72’), Joe*O’Brien Whitmarsh (Tommy Bloxham, 58’), Sean Moore (Trent Kone-Doherty, 58’), Franco Umeh (Warren Davis, 86’), Mark O’Mahony (Caden McLoughlin, 72’), Luke Browne
Scotland: Woody Williamson, Jack Kingdon, Magnus Mackenzie, Louis Jackson, Charlie McAarthur, Lennon Miller, Johnny Emerson, Daniel Kelly, Rory Wilson, David Watson, Bobby Wales
International Friendly Result/Fixtures (Kick-Offs are Irish Standard Time)
Wednesday, October 11 | Ireland MU19 2-0*Scotland MU19
Saturday, October 14*| Ireland MU19 v Faroe Islands MU19, Pinatar Arena, Spain, 11.30am



Ireland Category:
Under 19 Mens


Choose Site:
Ireland


Match Preview / Report:
Match Report


Introduction:
A Franco Umeh double got Ireland Men’s Under 19’s side off to an excellent start in the first of their friendly double-header at the Pinatar Arena, overcoming a strong Scottish side 2-0 this afternoon.




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