Republic of Ireland Schools 1-0 Northern Ireland Schools
Paul Moffat (34)
THE Republic of Ireland got their Centenary Shield off to the perfect start on Friday (March 16, 2012) as they overcame Northern Ireland at Pike Rovers FC in Limerick: Ireland's first game in the competition was entertaining but deservedly won by the hosts:
Paul Moffat volleyed home the only goal of an even contest on 34 minutes when goalkeeper Corey Wilson's save fell to the midfielder on the edge of the box: The centre back Joe O’Brien delivered an excellent ball to Barry Sheedy up front: Sheedy took a snap shot but the goalkeeper parried it and when it went up into the air Moffat was ever present at the edge of the box to sink home the match winner:
It was the North, on the back of a 0/4 defeat to Scotland, who had shown the early threat up front: Derry City's Ryan Curran was dangerous in attack and a couple of chances were almost converted: Horgan’s side came into the game following a nervy first fifteen: The hosts hit the woodwork and had a few great chances in front of goal before Moffat scored:
Next up for Ireland in the series is a meeting with Scotland at the Waterford RSC on March 30:
Thursday's win for Wales over Scotland puts them top of the table with six points from two games, three ahead of Ollie Horgan's Ireland