Northern Ireland 3 – 1 New Zealand
10 December, Ashfield Boys’ School
The Northern Ireland U18 team began their season in fine style with a convincing 3/1 victory over New Zealand:
The game was switched to the astro turf pitch at Ashfield Boys School when the frozen pitch at Shorts Recreation was declared unplayable
Northern Ireland had the first attempt on goal with some fine inter/passing and Scott Lynas went close with a flashing right foot drive which was just wide:
After 12 minutes Gavin McParland opened the scoring with a great goal: Picking the ball up 30 yards from goal, McParland played a neat one/two with Liam Boyce before crashing the ball into the corner of the net:
In the twenty fifth minute Lynas doubled the lead, shooting home from 12 yards following good work by Aaron McElwee:
Just before the break Boyce went close when he turned quickly inside the box and fired into the side netting:
On the hour the striker was unfortunate to see a delicate lob hit the inside of the post and rebound clear: However, Boyce was rewarded for a fine display by shooting low into the net after being put through by Jimmy Callacher:
The Kiwis came into the match in the final stages and Ryan Cain grabbed a consolation goal 10 minutes from the end with a looping header which just went under the bar: