Captain Michael Mulholland’s brace helps secure the victory for Northern Ireland’s Under-15 development team in their final game in a four-team UEFA development tournament.
Competition
UEFA U15 Development Tournament
Scoreline
Northern Ireland U15s 2-0 Latvia U15s
Scorers
Northern Ireland: Michael Mulholland (x2; 64’ and 89’)
Venue
Hadzici, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Date
26 October 2025
Team News
Northern Ireland’s U15s took part in a UEFA U15 Development Tournament, which also features hosts Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia and Latvia.
Head coach Michael McClean made seven changes from the 11 who started game two against Slovenia, which Northern Ireland lost by two goals to one.
Kaysan Braniff, Daithi Holleran and Eoghan Mallon returned to the starting lineup. Meanwhile, Luke Wells, Aiden Hamill, Corey McCartney and Michael Ihmig made their first starts of the tournament. Luke Bellingham, Luca Lavery, JB Camlin, Conleth O’Neil, Will Megaw, Noah Stewart and Noah Henderson dropped to the bench for this matchup.
Northern Ireland’s 20-strong squad at the tournament is largely made up of players who attend the Irish FA JD Academy.
How it happened
Northern Ireland had the first opportunity of the match in the 10th minute when Alfie Davidson gave a nice layoff to Eoghan Mallon, whose shot was blocked. Latvia had consecutive corner kicks three minutes later but was unable to capitalize.
In the 27th minute, Latvia’s Reinards Gudlevskis delivered an impeccable cross that found striker Augusts Leinsaris, whose header sailed over the bar. Four minutes later, Northern Ireland had two chances to take the lead but was denied by the stout Latvian defence.
At 39 minutes, Davidson struck a shot from distance, but it deflected off a teammate and was saved comfortably by Latvian keeper Reinis Zmogins. Moments later, after an errand pass from Latvia’s defence, Davidson delivered a sublime cutback for captain Michael Mulholland, who hit the crossbar.
Towards the end of the first half, Mulholland was given another opportunity. After a stellar solo run from the striker, his long-distance effort curled wide.
Half-time: Northern Ireland U15s 0-0 Latvia U15s
Just two minutes after the start of the second half, Northern Ireland won a free kick opportunity. It ultimately led to a shot from distance from Luke Wells, which was caught by Zmogins.
In the 57th minute, Northern Ireland’s Aiden Hamill slipped in a pass to Mulholland, whose initial shot was saved by Zmogins, and the squad was unable to score off the rebound. One minute later, substitute Noah Henderson delivered a sublime cross to Mulholland, and his header went wide.
After several chances throughout the match, Mulholland was able to get on the scoresheet in the 64th minute. Calum Evans slipped a through with the perfect weight, and the striker was able to slot it home to take the lead.
Latvia had a chance to equalize in the 69th minute from a free kick, but captain Alberts Avots’ effort sailed wide. Nine minutes later, straight from Northern Ireland’s corner kick attempt, Latvia substitutes Janis Rupeiks-Rokis and Marks Zanders combined for an opportunity, but the shot sailed wide.
In the closing stages of the match, Latvia’s free kick attempt ultimately led to a breakaway for Northern Ireland. Led by Henderson, he slipped in a pass for Mulholland, who provided the dagger goal.
Michael McClean’s team concludes the tournament with two victories and one loss.
Full-time: Northern Ireland U15s 2-0 Latvia U15s
Line-ups
Northern Ireland: Kaysan Braniff (GK), Cohen Ennis, Daithi Holleran, Calum Evans, Michael Mulholland (captain), Alfie Davidson, Eoghan Mallon, Luke Wells, Aiden Hamill, Corey McCartney, Michael Ihmig.
Substitutes: Luke Bellingham (GK), Luca Lavery, JB Camlin, Conleth O’Neil, Will Megaw, Noah Stewart, Daniele Clarke, Will Davison, Noah Henderson.
Latvia: Reinis Zmogins (GK), Ralfs Suklais, Francis Egle, Markuss Dembovskis, Alberts Avos (captain), Martins Senkans, Reinards Gudlevskis, Nazars Mahina, Emils Dergacs, Olivers Blazevics, Augusts Leinsaris
Substitutes: Lukas Jalovecks (GK), Roberts Jablokovs, Oskars Krampans, Paul Brants, Vilhelms Valts Melkis, Marks Zanders, Emils Komorovskis, Rauls Vitols, Janis Rupeiks-Rokis
