Match Reports - Under 17
Wed, 27 Oct 2004Northern Ireland v. Slovakia
| Northern Ireland |
3:0 | Slovakia |
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NORTHERN Ireland's Under-17 side took a huge stride towards qualifying for the next phase of the European Championships with this scorching three-goal victory over Slovakia at The Oval.
Robbie Weir was the star of the show with two second half goals while Michael Carvill, a veteran of the 2004 finals, weighed in with number three on 64 minutes.
Despite being faced with atrocious conditions the local lads impressed during a scoreless first half with Weir, currently turning out for Larne, coming close with a 25-yard drive on 18 minutes while a couple of minutes later Paul Walsh squandered a golden opportunity with the goal at his mercy.
Then, five minutes from the break, Carvill set up Kevin Doran only for the ball to bobble just as he was about to shoot.
However Kenny Shiels' side deservedly moved in front on 48 minutes.
Ryan Harpur fed the ball to Jason McAnulla on the right who duly returned it for Weir to despatch a superb right-foot 20-yard effort past the keeper.
Soon after Johnny Evans had a go from 40 yards while a Walsh header came back off the inside of the post.
However the inevitable second goal came on the hour with Weir beating the Slovakian keeper once more from distance.
Then, on 64 minutes, Carvill completed the scoring with a simple tap in when the keeper dropped a long range Evans effort at his feet.
Northern Ireland now sit second in the section from which the top two progress to the next stage. They conclude this phase of the competition against whipping boys Liechenstein (who lost 9-0 to Switzerland) on Friday at Windsor Park (3pm).
