Match Reports - Under 16 Schools

NORTHERN Ireland Under 16's defeated Finland 3-1 in Eerikkilan on Thursday afternoon in what was the first international to be played indoor by a Northern Ireland side.

Goals courtesy of Liam Bagnall, Neil Dougan and James Gray helped secure the win.

The U16 boys started as the better side and took the lead after just two minutes when Glenavon midfielder Bagnall scored with a driven shot from the edge of the box. 

With a boost of confidence after the early first goal, Neil Dougan broke clear from midfield to finish with a left foot shot at the near post jusy two minutes later. 

The Northern Ireland U16 side had total domination of possession and it wasn’t until the 31st minute that the home side tested ‘keeper Andrew Dickey.

At half time, the score was Finland-0; Northern Ireland-2.

The second half started with the young Finnish side quick out of the blocks, and a long ball out of defence by Lum Rexhepi caught the Northern Ireland defence square and Jumo Lehtonen lobbing Andrew Dickey. 

Shorty after, James Gray finished off a superb move by captain Andrew Mitchell and Neil Dougan to score past Finnish ‘keeper Tuumi. 

There were some fine performances on the evening including Robbie Hume, Liam Bagnall and man of the match Andrew Mitchell.

Final score Finland 1 Northern Ireland 3