A Northern Ireland Under-14 team took “plenty of positives” from competing in the Albir Cup in Spain.
Head coach Matthew Tipton brought a 20-strong squad to the international development tournament in Alicante and he was pleased with how the players performed.
First up for Northern Ireland was a game against United Arab Emirates before they faced Spain on Thursday and then Turkiye on Saturday.
Following the game against UAE, Tipton explained: “We started the game really well and up until the first water break at 20 minutes we dominated the game, having the majority of possession and creating a good number of chances.
“However we then conceded straight after the water break and then again 13 seconds later.”
The boys’ heads did not drop though and Northern Ireland got a goal back through a Keagan O’Connor penalty.
Tipton’s side then drew level from a Riley McCreery header at the back post.
The head coach continued: “Unfortunately we seemed to run out of steam and got caught on the counter attack a couple times to concede three more goals.
“Overall we were fairly pleased, especially as the UAE players were a year older and in some cases two years older than a couple of our 2013 boys. There were a lot of positives.”
Northern Ireland then lost 2-0 to Spain in game two, however the head coach said the result did not do the boys justice in terms of how well they performed against a “top drawer” Spain team.
It was a fairly even contest, with both teams creating half chances, up until the 36th minute when a bit of pinball in the penalty area resulted in Spain taking the lead.
The Northern Ireland players did not let their heads drop, however, and stuck to the tactical plan.
The second half saw Spain dominate the ball a bit more but without really troubling the Northern Ireland goal.
Tipton’s team had opportunities on the counter attack but could not find the elusive goal. And they conceded again in the 65th minute.
The head coach explained: “All of the players got on to play a part and everyone was needed due to the physical output they used in the Spanish heat. There was a lot to take out of the game, especially the defensive structure that had been a problem against UAE.”
The U14 development team’s final game, against Turkiye on Saturday, had to be abandoned at half-time due to thunderstorms.
Tipton explained the first 40 minutes was the best performance of the week against a big, physical Turkiye team.
He said: “We were well organised defensively but very fluid in attack with some good midfield play creating opportunities for the front three.
“Josh Adams scored the only goal after a flowing move saw Olly Prenter’s shot parried and Josh follow up to tap it home.
“All in all it was a great week for all the boys, with plenty of positives to take home.”
Tipton’s assistant coaches in Spain were Marty Young and Josh Magennis, while Andy Bell was the goalkeeping coach.
Northern Ireland U14s squad at Albir Cup 2026:
Goalkeepers - Cuan O’Braidagh (Cliftonville), Oliver Girvan (Loughgall).
Defenders – Riley McCreery, Liam McAteer and Ronan Vernon (all Cliftonville), Ben Wilson (Linfield), Jack Fletcher Brown (Shankill Juniors), Cohen Magennis (Wigan Athletic), Cian Lynch (Derry City).
Midfielders – Jake Booth, Alfie Meneely and Oliver Prenter (all Linfield), Cuan Carmichael and Keagan O’Connor (both Cliftonville), Oisin Sweeney (Derry City).
Forwards – Jack Goan (Loughgall), Bobby Mooney (Newell Academy), Lucas Moore (Linfield), Ryland Perry (Cliftonville), Josh Adams (Coleraine).
