Northern Ireland’s Under-16s drew with Finland in their second and final game in an international tri-nations tournament staged in Co Down this week.
Competition
Tri-Nations Tournament
Scoreline
Northern Ireland U16s 2-2 Finland U16s
Scorers
Northern Ireland: Dara Donnan, Corey Harkin (main picture)
Venue
Donard Park, Newcastle
Date
18 September 2026
Team News
A Northern Ireland Under-16 team have been competing in a three-team international tournament in Co Down this week.
For the third and final game of the tournament Youth National Coach Michael McClean made six changes to the U16s side that started the 5-0 victory over Estonia in game one.
In came goalkeeper Harry McSwiney, replacing Cuan O’Bradaigh, along with defenders Eoin McCann and Shea Donnelly, midfielder Corey Harkin and attackers Dara Donnan and Conleth O’Neill.
Also dropping to the bench were defenders Daithi Holleran and Cohen Ennis, midfielders Rylan Heaney and Alfie Davidson plus striker Ryland Perry.
The bulk of the players in the Northern Ireland squad are from the Irish FA JD Academy (residential and non-residential).
How it happened
The game was played in the midst of a strong storm, with driving wind and rain creating difficult conditions for both teams.
Northern Ireland started the game brightly and put the Finnish team under pressure from the start.
The first clearcut chance came 20 minutes into the game when striker Dara Donnan connected with a cross from the left and forced an excellent point blank save from Finnish goalkeeper Anton Perttula.
The deadlock was broken just minutes later. Some excellent build-up play allowed Donnan to beat the offside trap and reach the ball before the onrushing goalkeeper. The forward kept his composure to round the keeper and slot the ball into the empty net.
Half-time: Northern Ireland U16s 1-0 Finland U16s
The second half continued in much the same vein, with Northern Ireland on top and pushing for another goal.
The second goal came 15 minutes into the half. After some good build-up play down the right flank, man of the match Corey Harkin got in behind the Finnish defence and, from an angle inside the penalty area, drove the ball into the top corner. It was a sweet finish.
Northern Ireland had further chances to extend their lead but were unable to convert them.
In the final eight minutes of the game they were made to pay for those missed opportunities.
Finland were given a way back into the game when captain Excel Musete converted a penalty.
Buoyed by the goal, and with the wind at their backs, Finland pushed forward in the closing stages, putting a succession of balls into the Northern Ireland penalty area.
In the 93rd minute the Finns were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box. After some poor defending, Finland bundled the ball into the net to draw level with virtually the last kick of the game.
Afterwards Michael McClean said: “It was a very disappointing end to the game, a game which our performance deserved a lot more from.
“However, when we reflect on the camp, it was a really positive camp with two very good performances, especially in terms of with the ball and imposing ourselves on the opposition.”
The tri-nations tournament at Donard Park in Newcastle was supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Full-time: Northern Ireland U16s 2-2 Finland U16s
Line-ups
Northern Ireland: Harry McSwiney, Eoin McCann, Shea Donnelly, Gus Murdock, Riley McCreery, Corey McCartney, Calum Evans (captain), Corey Harkin, Dara Donnan, Will Davison, Conleth O’Neill.
Substitutes: Oliver Girvan (GK), Luca Lavery, Daithi Holleran, Cohen Ennis, Rylan Heaney, Alfie Davidson, Eoghan Mallon, Quinn Milligan, Ryland Perry.
Finland U16s: Anton Perttula (GK), Kaius Lehtonen, Leo Wewelsiep, Timh-Isaac Soderman, Emil Rautianen, Excel Musete (captain), Vilppu Tahkola, Ilmari Riivari, Giz Azael Mayasi, Viljami Thomander, Onni Karhu.
Substitutes: Vaino Mannilla, Ilari Patala, Karo Tuikka, Iisak Naakka, Kaspar Miettinen, Roope Suoniemi, Levi Tanke Aba, Aaro Sipola, Robert Kilpelainen, Kasimir Ohman Hayes, Miro Aatola.
Action from Donard Park
