26 March 2010
WALES U-18 SCHOOLS.....0-1 REP OF IRELAND U-18 SCHOOLS
Sean Brosnan 17
The Republic of Ireland Under-18 Schools' team clinched a vital Centenary Shield win against Wales on Thursday night in Haverfordwest reports John Fallon.
After losing their opening game to Northern Ireland on St. Patrick's Day, Ireland were chasing a win to redeem their title aspirations.
And it was late call-up Sean Brosnan of St. Patrick's School in Castleisland who supplied the only goal of the game on 17 minutes.
Brosnan was the only newcomer to the squad from the panel that faced Wales. His elevation arose due to the unavailability of Marwan Azimi because of club commitments.
He displayed predatory instincts in a crowded goalmouth to seize upon the loose ball and slam home after the Wales goalkeeper was unable to gather Sean Skelly's stinging 25-yard free-kick.
In rain-soaked conditions, Ireland coped well and should have been further ahead by the break.
Robbie Benson and Gary Shaw each missed chances but the closest Ireland came to grabbing a second was through Brosnan, who capitalised upon a mis-hit back-pass to go through one on one with the goalkeeper but he was denied this time by the netminder.
Wales came more into the game in the second half without causing Ireland goalkeeper Josh Byrne or his defence much concern.
Ireland saw out the game in comfortable fashion and can look forward to next week's game at home to Scotland with optimism.
Dave Archbold, manager of Ireland, said: "We needed this win and the victory puts the destiny of the trophy back in our hands.
"It was good all-round performance and we probably could be won by more.
"We've two games remaining in the campaign, firstly on Good Friday against Scotland at Ballybofey before meeting England in what could be the decider on April 30 at Burton Albion. It's up to us to win those matches and take the trophy."
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Josh Byrne (De La Salle, Waterford); Brian Nolan (St Paul's CC), Jason Dwane (St. Peter's College), Tomas Boyle (Salesian College), Nathan Murphy (Colaiste Ris); Daryl Horgan (St. Enda's College, Galway), Sean Skelly (St. Joseph's Fairview), Hugh Douglas (St. Brendan's College); Gary Shaw (Patrician SS), Robbie Benson (Marist College), Sean Brosnan (St. Patrick's SS, Castleisland).
Substitutions: Daragh Walshe (St. Kieran's College) for Shaw (h/t), Stephen Chambers (St. Fintan's) for Skelly (60 mins), Tom O'Halloran (Athlone CC) for Brosnan (65 mins), Barry O'Mahony (Summerhill College) for Benson (80 mins)