Northern Ireland’s Under-16s were narrowly defeated by Iceland U16s in their second game at a Four Nations Tournament in Finland.
Kris Lindsay’s side dominated the second half after trailing at half-time, however Iceland scored with the last kick of the game to secure the victory.
Competition
Four Nations Tournament
Scoreline
Iceland U16s 3-2 Northern Ireland U16s
Scorers
Northern Ireland: Michael Mulholland, Padai O’Kane
Venue
Jari Litmanen Arena, Eerikkilä
Date
24 September 2025
Team News
Northern Ireland U16s head coach Kris Lindsay made wholesale changes to the team that started his side’s first match in the tournament, which they lost 5-2 against a physically strong Finland team.
In came goalkeeper Luke Bellingham along with defenders Jude Crawford (captain), Dan Patterson, Darryl Meenan and Daithi Holleran.
Also promoted from the bench were midfielders Cillian Murray, Lukas Doherty and Jay Forsythe along with attackers Michael Mulholland, Jay McCafferty and Logan McKnight.
Dropping to the bench were goalkeeper Matthew Belshaw, defenders Preston McKeown, Ennis Cohen, Alfie Pollock and Rory Prenter as well as midfielders Jayden Doyle and Brayden McNally plus forwards Odhran McHugh, Mason Ayre and Padai O’Kane.
Midfielder Harry Hughes was injured in the game against Finland.
This week’s Four Nations Tournament features Finland, Iceland, Estonia and Northern Ireland. It is being staged at the Eerikkilä Sport and Outdoor Resort in southern Finland.
How it happened
There was a frantic opening to the game, with Iceland taking the lead after just 90 seconds, capitalising on a loose back pass to finish well.
Northern Ireland equalised five minutes later when Michael Mulholland intercepted a ball from the keeper and coolly finished from just inside the box.
The game then settled down, with both teams enjoying spells of possession.
Northern Ireland keeper Luke Bellingham made a good double save on 20 minutes, while down the other end Mulholland had a couple of shots which were well saved by Iceland keeper Leon Johannsson.
Iceland, who picked up a couple of yellow cards for robust challenges, took the lead again in the 35th minute. The ball was played directly in behind the Northern Ireland defence to Iceland’s centre forward and he drilled it into the corner of the net.
Half-time: Iceland U16s 2-1 Northern Ireland U16s
Northern Ireland started the second half strongly and created a couple of half-chances.
Iceland were reduced to 10 men on 60 minutes when a player received a second yellow.
Lindsay’s team dominated the remainder of the half, creating some decent goalscoring opportunities only to be thwarted by some excellent goalkeeping. And two efforts were cleared off the line.
They finally got the goal they deserved on 92 minutes, substitute Padai O’Kane scoring at the back post after the keeper had made a good save from a Mulholland drive.
However, similar to the start of the match, there was a frantic scramble in the box right at the death - and Iceland delivered a sucker punch by scoring with the last kick of the game to win it.
Northern Ireland’s third and final match in the tournament is on Friday (26 September) against Estonia. It is due to kick off at 10am local time.
Full-time: Iceland U16s 3-2 Northern Ireland U16s
Line-ups
Iceland: Leon Johannsson, Darri Kristmundsson, Noi Johannsson, Andri Danielsson, Tomas Bjornsson, Mani Thorfinnsson (captain), Dadi Ottesen, Orn Brynjarsson, Fjolnir Freysson, Gunnar Matus, Bjarki Gunnleifsson.
Substitutes: Agust Halldorsson (GK), Hrafn Elmarsson, Sturla Thordarson, Benjamin Bjornsson, Hugi Saevarsson, Stefan Olafsson, Signar Vidarsson, Mani Breiddal Kjartansson, Gauti Linberg, Kristinn Zumbergs, Alexander O Hafthorsson.
Northern Ireland: Luke Bellingham, Jude Crawford (captain), Dan Patterson, Darryl Meenan, Daithi Holleran, Cillian Murray, Jay Forsythe, Lukas Doherty, Michael Mulholland, Jay McCafferty, Logan McKnight.
Substitutes: Matthew Belshaw (GK), Preston McKeown, Ennis Cohen, Alfie Pollock, Rory Prenter, Jayden Doyle, Brayden McNally, Odhran McHugh, Mason Ayre, Padai O’Kane, Noah Vaugh.
