Release Date: 08/07/2010

THE Northern Ireland Cerebral Palsy Development Squad headed to Dublin City University last week to compete in the 2010 Home Nations Tournament.

As well as the hosts, the Republic of Ireland, teams from England and Scotland also participated.

A familiar pattern was to emerge in the first two games against the Republic and England.  Played under soaring temperatures, Northern Ireland taking early leads in both games, courtesy of a well worked team goal scored by Thomas McCormick against the Republic and a brilliant individual goal against the English, scored by Jordan Kearns.

Despite dominating against the Republic and England for long spells, the Northern Ireland boys were culpable of lapses in concentration, consequently, paying a heavy price for basic errors in defence.

Results:

Northern Ireland 1-3 Republic of Ireland

Northern Ireland 1-5 England

However, having played so well and losing their first two games one would have expected the Northern Ireland boys to be downhearted - well not in the least; despite going 1-0 down to Scotland, they showed all their fighting qualities to come out on top with a 2-1 victory with both goals scored by 15-year-old Ryan Walker.

Result: Northern Ireland 2-1 Scotland

Northern Ireland manager Alan Crooks was full of praise for his young squad: “A fantastic tournament and invaluable experience for our players, the football they played was certainly not a true reflection on their results. The nucleus of this squad definitely have a very bright future, if they continue to progress and work hard.”

Northern Ireland squad: Jonathan Prenter, Darren Lemon (C), David Crothers, Jordan Kearns, Shane Swift, Gareth Millar, Stephen McKeag, Ryan Walker, William Hamilton, Stephen Halpin, Thomas McCormick.

Final Standings:

1. England

2. Republic of Ireland

3. Northern Ireland

4. Scotland

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