Northern Ireland’s Under-16 team made it two wins out of two with a hard-fought victory over Japan U16s in the inaugural Gary Speed Cup in Wales.
Competition
Cwpan Gary Speed (Gary Speed Cup)
Scoreline
Japan U16s 0-1 Northern Ireland U16s
Scorers
Northern Ireland: Noah Vaugh
Venue
Ruthin Town FC, Ruthin
Date
28 August 2025
Team News
Head coach Kris Lindsay made seven changes to the starting line-up for Northern Ireland’s second game in the inaugural Gary Speed Cup.
Phoenix Blayney replaced Matthew Belshaw in nets, while defenders Cohen Ennis and Jude Crawford, midfielder Cillian Murray and attackers Mason Eyre, Rocco Devlin and Noah Vaugh were all promoted from the bench.
Defenders Daniel McCarron and Preston McKeown, midfielders Jayden Doyle and Liam Kelly as well as attackers Harry Hughes and Michael Mulholland dropped to the bench this time.
Only centre backs Alfie Mulvenna and Alfie Pollock and midfielders Conor Wilson and Adam Nelson retained their places from the team that started the 8-0 win over Gibraltar in Northern Ireland’s opening game in the tournament.
The Cwpan Gary Speed (Gary Speed Cup) is a new invitational U16 football tournament being held in North Wales to honour the legacy of former Wales international and manager Gary Speed, a pivotal figure in Welsh football who tragically passed away in 2011.
The Northern Ireland squad is largely made up of players from the Irish FA JD Academy.
How it happened
Japan, who drew 2-2 with Wales in their opening game in the tournament, had good energy at the start of the match. They created a decent chance on 10 minutes. Following a flowing move down the left flank, the ball was squared across goal where Northern Ireland keeper Phoenix Blayney had to make a point blank save.
Five minutes later Noah Vaugh intercepted a pass and raced towards goal. His shot from 18 yards was well saved by Japan keeper Sosuke Obata, while a follow-up effort struck the post.
Then Blayney produced another good save, this time from Japan striker Shuto Jo.
On 29 minutes Mason Ayre had an attempt from distance, however it was easily gathered by Obata. And Blayney made a further solid stop from Jo’s drilled shot.
As half-time approached Cillian Murray battled hard to win the ball back. He eventually got a shot away, however his low drive was off target.
Half-time: Japan U16s 0-0 Northern Ireland U16s
On 53 minutes Vaugh scored what proved to be the only goal of the game. A corner was played deep to the back post where the ball was headed across goal and Vaugh was alert to finish.
Japan then pushed forward in search of an equaliser in the rainy conditions in Ruthin, however the Northern Ireland defence held firm.
Japan full-back Naohiro Watanabe blasted the ball over the top when he got on the end of a dangerous free-kick delivery into the area. It was a good opportunity.
Blayney made an excellent save down low to his right to push a powerful header from Japan substitute Yua Endo around the post.
As full-time approached substitute Odhran McHugh had a one-on-one with the Japan keeper, who superbly diverted his low shot out for a corner.
Northern Ireland will face hosts Cymru in their final game in the tournament. It is due to be staged in Colwyn Bay on Sunday (31 August) at 10.30am.
Full-time: Japan U16s 0-1 Northern Ireland U16s
Line-ups
Northern Ireland U16s: Phoenix Blayney, Jude Crawford, Alfie Mulvenna, Alfie Pollock, Cohen Ennis, Conor Wilson, Cillian Murray, Adam Nelson, Noah Vaugh, Mason Ayre, Rocco Devlin.
Substitutes: Matthew Belshaw (GK), Daniel McCarron, Harry Hughes, Michael Mulholland, Preston McKeown, Liam Kelly, Rory Prenter, Bailey Magee, Jayden Doyle, Jay Forsythe, Odhran McHugh.
Japan U16s: Sosuke Obata, Naohiro Watanabe, Koe Toyama, Teon Hayashi, Yosei Furuki, Kenshi Higuchi, Yohan Hanamoto, Taiga Nakano (captain), Shuto Jo, Yuito Hashimoto, Kitto Nawa.
Substitutes: Seitaro Yamashita (GK), Haruto Sakai, Rento Kajiyama, Hayato Yairo, Eita Sawaguchi, Tokito Noda, Arata Shindo, Yamato Haratake, Yua Endo.
