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NORTHERN Ireland's Under-18 Schools squad defeated Australia 2-1 today in a friendly at Newforge as part of their preparations for the forthcoming Centenary Shield.

Australia, actually fielding an Under-19 side, opened the scoring on 17 minutes when a poor backpass from Mark Stafford allowed Ramon Close in to lob keeper Aaron Hogg.

However Northern Ireland levelled through a Ryan Kane spot-kick after a Johnny McSorley chip was handled by a visiting defender.

The tourists were then reduced to ten men on 35 minutes when Daniel Wilkinson was found guilty of foul play.

It took Bob Ramsey's side until the 66th minute to take advantage of the extra man, though, when a Stephen Finnegan poked home the winner following a Gary Liggett ball across the face of goal.

Willie Grattan might have added a third towards the end only for his effort to be scooped off the line while at the other end the Aussies almost snatched a draw when Jason Trifro burst through but fortunately substitute keeper Sean O'Neill blocked the ball with his legs.