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Northern Ireland 2 – 1 Scotland
Liam Boyce, 30mins James Stevenson 17mins
Conor Deane 63mins
The Northern Ireland Schools Under 18 team had to come from behind to record a 2/1 victory over Scotland at Comber in the opening game of this season's Carnegie Centenary Shield:
The visitors went in front after 17 minutes when James Stevenson rounded keeper Niall Morgan to shoot home from close range:
The home team drew level on the half hour in fortunate circumstances when a Ryan Burns shot was deflected into the net by Liam Boyce:
Boyce, who was named as the Carnegie Man of the Match, was a constant threat to the Scottish defence and almost netted again when he cut in from the right and shot low only to see Ross Laidlaw block the effort with his feet:
Northern Ireland started the second half on the attack and Stephen Dooley volleyed just over the bar: Just after the hour Northern Ireland went ahead when a free kick by James Peden found Boyce and the striker laid the ball to Conor Deane who crashed a low left foot drive into the corner of the net:
Deane almost doubled the lead but his glancing shot from a cross by Jimmy Callacher just went outside the post:
Scotland were dangerous on the break with the pace of right winger John MacDonald causing problems: The speedy winger outpaced the home defence but Craig Hill did well to intercept his low cross as Stevenson was about to shoot: Scotland pressed strongly in the closing stages but the Northern Ireland defence held firm to secure 3 points in their quest to recapture the trophy:
Northern Ireland faces the Republic of Ireland at Ballymoney on 20th March in their next match in the Carnegie Centenary Shield:
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