In what was the their first game in 18 months, the Ireland Cerebral Palsy Team overcame Denmark 4-2 in the AUL Complex in an international friendly.

Ireland started the game well and went ahead in the 6th minute with a strike from debutant Andre Paval. Things got even better when they increased their lead through a shot from Ryan Nolan.

In a busy opening period, Ireland had a total of eight shots on target in the first half, while Irish goalkeeper Mark Barry had been nothing more than a spectator but when called upon stood up to the mark.

The home team started the second half by conceding a corner, the cross was picked up by Paval, and the Irish quick broke to create a 2 v 1 situation. Paval did not need the assistance of young Charlie Byrne and rolled the ball into the corner of the net for his second goal.

With 17 minutes gone in the second half, Ireland led by four. Captain Joe Markey unleashed a fine strike from 20 yards that flew into the back of the net to give them a commanding lead.

Denmark did get a constellation goal back through a penalty very late on. Unfortunately new goal keeper Mark McGrath couldn’t keep out the spot kick.

There was to be more late drama, late into added time Ireland gave away their second penalty of the game. Again, Denmark rolled the ball into the bottom corner.

Ireland won this one though and will take a lot of confidence from it, including from the first appearances of Paval, Sean Markey, Adam Free, Charlie Byrne and Richard Carroll.

Next up for Sean Moore's team is a Home Nations tournament in October.

Starting 7: Mark Barry, Joe Markey, Carl McKee, Ryan Nolan, Josh Tracey, Andre Paval, Charlie Byrne