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DEFEAT to the Netherlands ends Euro hopes for Kenny's boys.

Northern Ireland's Euro Championship qualification adventure came to an abrupt halt in Holland yesterday as Kenny Shiels' Under-17s went down to the world champions in Venray.

A combination of inspired goalkeeping by Chris Snow and some dreadful finishing by the Netherlands saw Shiels' side still on level terms at the interval but the floodgates opened in the second half and Northern Ireland conceded three goals before Andy Little managed a response.

Shiels said: "It was a disappointing result but the boys worked hard against a very good team.

"When you consider they are the reigning world champions and had one of the current Ajax first team in their line up it was always going to be a real challenge for us.

"But every game has been a learning experience which will benefit the players in their progress."

It was very much the Snow show in the first half as the Dutch took control and created numerous opportunities to put the result beyond doubt before the break. Snow smothered a shot from Rence van de Wal early on and was well placed to deny Vincent van den Berg's close range shot with 20 minutes gone.

Ajax star Vurnon Anita gave a dazzling display of footwork and he should have scored in front of goal but couldn't dig the ball out from under his feet. Later he ran through the centre and with only Snow to beat, angled his shot wide of the far post.

Just before the break Little connected with Ruairi Harkin's cross and keeper Erwin Molder spilled the ball before securing it at the second attempt.

The Dutch grabbed the opener with Nick Kuiper heading over the outstretched arms of Snow in the 47th minute.

Lisburn Distillery youngster Chris McGarahan sent a shot off target and Garth McDonald saw a quickfire strike turned away for a corner.

Then a William Burns' shot was scooped off the line but the Dutch were now in full flow and masterfully cruised into the comfort zone with a 55th minute goal wonderfully executed by Vincent van den Berg who angled his shot past the advancing keeper after Anita had carved open the chance.

On the hour it was 3-0. Van de Wal strode into the box with menace and went to ground under a challenge from Craig Cathcart and while Northern Ireland players claimed he handled the ball, van de Wal got to his feet and casually rolled the ball into the far corner of the net.

Seven minutes from time Little pulled one back. Chris Murdock's pass found him in space and he raced into the box to produce a fine finish.

Germany qualified for the finals courtesy of a 4-0 victory over Finland in the other game in Tegelen.

Northern Ireland:Christopher Snow (Ballinamallard Utd), Christopher Murdock (Birmingham City), Craig Cathcart (Man Utd), Ruairi Harkin (Don Boscos), Fearghal Burke (Linfield), Geoff McGaw (Stoke City), Jamie McGovern (WBA), Garth McDonald (WBA), Andrew Little (Ballinamallard Utd), William Burns (Linfield), Chris McGaharan (Lisburn Distillery). Sub. David Cushley (Ballymena Utd) for Harkin (58 mins).