Under-16 Friendly International

Turkey 5 - 2 Republic of Ireland

Turkey punished the Republic of Ireland for some lapses in concentration today as they made it two wins in a row against their visitors in Izmir.

The match was played in even warmer conditions that the first game on Tuesday, which Turkey won 2-1. Temperatures in the Stadium surpassed the 35 degree Celsius mark, contributing to the tiredness of the Irish team as the game progressed.

Turkey produced slick passing movements in the first half and scored two goals during a five minute spell midway through the half.

Ireland rallied as the contest approached the interval and worked their way back through a wonderful goal by Shane Murray to half the deficit. Irish winger Robert Brady raided the left-wing before crossing to Conor Murphy who teed up Murray to drive a shot high into the roof of the net from 30 yards out.

Robbie Benson, Conor Murphy and substitute Oliver Kelly all went close to finding an equaliser for Ireland but the home team countered to blast three goals past Irish goalkeeper Craig Sexton.

The rapid execution of the goals left Ireland reeling but they found time to find the net again. Stephen McDonnell released George Landais through the centre of the defence, allowing the Millwall striker to bury a low shot into the net to make it 5-2.

Ireland manager Vincent Butler was naturally disappointed to see his team let in five goals though he was pleased with aspects of the side’s display.

“We only began to play nice football in the second half and we got behind them to create chances. That said, we were far too lethargic in the first half and we had to have a good chat at the break to change things around.

“Turkey are an excellent team and they hit us with three goals at the end, some of which we should have done more to prevent."

Republic of Ireland U-16:
Craig Sexton - Belvedere
Rory Gartlan – Renmore
John Egan – Greenwood
Oliver Nicholas – Arsenal
Daniel Joyce - Belvedere
Conor Murphy – St. Kevin’s Boys
Jeff Hendrick - St. Kevin’s Boys
Shane Murray – Arklow Town
Robert Brady – St. Kevin’s Boys
George Landais – Millwall
Robert Benson – Athlone Town
Substitutions:
Stephen McDonnell – Quay Celtic for Brady (41 mins)
Oliver Kelly – Reading for Hendrick (50 mins)
Aidan Dadoo - Stella Maris for Benson (60 mins)
John Gorman – Manchester United for Murray (60 mins)
Mark O'Brien – Cherry Orchard for Gartlan (70 mins)

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