Two first-half goals by the hosts undid the Irish team who put up a brave second-half performance without getting any reward for their efforts.

The Irish squad spent most of Saturday travelling from Dublin and that owed much to their sluggish start to the game.

Despite trailing at half-time, Ireland improved in the second half and had chances to cut the deficit.

Robert Brady (pictured) came closest to finding the net for Ireland when he rounded the goalkeeper only to see his shot cleared off the line by a defender.

Ireland manager Vincent Butler admitted afterwards that his team are capable of playing better:

“The fatigue from the trip certainly played a part in our slow start to the match. Aspire scored two well-worked goals early in the game and we had a lot to do after that.”

“I was pleased with how the players improved in the second half. I know that they can play better in our next two games. Our next match is on Tuesday and a couple of days rest will help the players.”

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U15s: Craig Sexton (Belvedere); Rory Gartlan (Renmore), Gareth Wallace (Wexford Albion), Jack Carty (Hodson Bay), Daniel Joyce (Belvedere); Jean Biamsumba (Confey), Stephen O’Donnell (Quay Celtic), Sean Skelly (Belvedere), Jordan Phillpott (Kilreen Celtic); Robert Brady( St. Kevin’s Boys), Conor Murphy (St. Kevin’s Boys). Subs: Jeffrey Hendrick (St. Kevin’s Boys) for Skelly (half-time), Ethan Mannion (St. Kevin’s Boys) for Biamsumba (50 mins), Eoin Wearan (St. Kevin’s Boys) for Phillpott (50 mins), Matt Doherty (Belvedere) for Carty (68 mins), Paul Whyte (Ballinroad) for Murphy (75 mins).

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