Northern Ireland’s Under-19s produced a gritty display as they drew with Romania in a Euro qualifier staged in Romania.
Competition
U19 Euro 2026 Elite Round Qualifiers
Scoreline
Romania U19s 0-0 Northern Ireland U19s
Venue
Clinceni Arena, Clinceni
Date
28 March 2026
Team News
Northern Ireland Under-19s boss Gareth McAuley made four changes to the side that started against Ukraine (1-0 defeat) in the first of three elite round qualifiers for U19 Euro 2026.
In came defenders Alfie Wilson and Luke Matykiewicz along with midfielder Dylan Stitt and attacker George Feeney.
Dropping to the bench for the Group 5 mini tournament match were midfielder Sean Corry and defender Callum Leacock along with attackers Paul McGovern and Ceadach O’Neill.
How it happened
Romania, who lost 2-0 to Kazakhstan in their Group 5 opener, looked lively early on.
Attacker Iustin Doicaru had a shot blocked before Northern Ireland skipper Blaine McClure put an effort wide.
Then forward Alexandru Stoian, defender Florin Gaspar and midfielder and captain Robert Petculescu all steered attempts wide, while Petculescu had a shot blocked.
Defender Alex-Andrei Urcan was the next to try his luck for the Romanians, but again he failed to trouble Northern Ireland keeper Josh Gracey.
Just before half-time Gracey was called into action to save another Petculescu effort. And in added time at the end of the first period Gaspar’s attempt was off target.
Half-time: Romania U19s 0-0 Northern Ireland U19s
The first clearcut chance of the second half fell to George Feeney, whose effort was kept out by Romania keeper George Ungureanu.
Down the other end Gracey was tested by midfielder Raul Veres before thwarting the busy Petculescu once more.
Northern Ireland then pressed. On 66 minutes McClure had a shot blocked and Max Wilson steered a shot wide. In the 78th minute Joe Sheridan had an effort saved by Ungureanu.
Gracey saved from substitute Robert Necsulescu and Feeney had a shot blocked as the game swung from end to end.
Ungureanu saved another McClure strike. And Gracey kept out a Stoian attempt.
Romanian had a couple of chances late on, however McAuley’s side held on to deservedly secure the draw.
The U19s’ third and final match in Group 5 will see them come up against Kazakhstan on Tuesday (31 March) at the Romanian Football Federation (FRF) football centre in Buftea (3pm BST). Ukraine beat Kazakhstan 3-0 in the other Group 5 game today.
Full-time: Romania U19s 0-0 Northern Ireland U19s
Line-ups
Romania: George Ungureanu, Florin Gaspar, Stefan Senciuc, Alex-Andrei Urcan, Rares Fotin, Efraim Bodo, Alin Gera, Robert Petculescu (captain), Alexandru Stoian, Iustin Doicaru, Raul Veres.
Substitutes: (used) Mihai Toma, Yanis Pirvu, Robert Necsulescu, Ioan Bosneag; (unused) Mihai Racasan (GK), Alin Techeres, Davide Moisa, Mihai Toma, Eduard Cotor, Ianis Doana.
Northern Ireland: Josh Gracey, Alfie Wilson, Broghan Sewell, James Simpson, Keevan Hawthorne, Luke Matykiewicz, Blaine McClure (captain), Dylan Stitt, George Feeney, Joe Sheridan, Max Wilson.
Substitutes: (used) Senan Devine, Joel Kerr; (unused) Will Murdock (GK), Callum Leacock, Jack Doherty, Paul McGovern, Ceadach O’Neill, Alfie Mitchell, Sean Corry.
