Two first-half goals saw Ireland Boys Under-16s overcome Finland 2-1 in the second of a friendly double-header at the FAI National Training Centre, Abbotstown today.

Bohemians’ Josh Harpur scored from the spot on his first start for Ireland while Cork City’s Tom McGrath netted what proved to be the winner.

All the goals came in the first half with Ireland finding themselves behind after two minutes when they were awarded a penalty. Mustafa Mahmood stepped up to convert for Finland.

But their lead would last 15 minutes when Harpur was pulled down in the box and referee Eoghan McAuliffe pointed to the spot.

The Bohs youngster picked himself up to fire home his penalty to draw Ireland level.

Five minutes later Ireland were ahead. Shamrock Rovers’ Noble Tetteh showed great feet to beat his man before pulling back his cross for McGrath to steer home.

Ireland could have gone in at the break 3-1 up when Curtis Egan saw his attempt just clip the bar.

In the 72^nd minute substitute Ben Mohan saw his attempted effort cleared off the line following great work down the right from Dundalk’s TJ Molloy.

Molloy himself almost produced a moment of magic when his volley cannoned off the inside of the post with 12 minutes of the contest remaining.

But with game still finely poised, Finland had a glorious chance after Ireland failed to clear a free-kick, but they had goalkeeper George Moloney to thank who made a smart stop to earn Paul Osam’s side the win.

Ireland: Moloney, Gabbidon (Prizeman, 55’), Spaight, Burke, O’Connor (Sullivan, 65’), McGrath, Egan (Spelman, 65’), Quigley,, Keoghan (Molloy, 55’), Tetteh (Byrne 87’), Harpur (Mohan, 65’).

Finland: Niittyvirta, Barrett, De Nascimento, Paanen, Kesonen (C), Kuusniemi, Virnes, Mendolin, Meltoranta, Mahmood, Zaberaxha. Substitutes: Lahti, Kroupkin, Heikari, Kangasniemi, Malinen, Kaasik, Mäkeläinen, Korkala, Koivuranta, Nybäck, Valkealahti.

Ireland International Friendly Fixtures

Wednesday, February 26 | Ireland 2-3 Finland
Friday, February 28 | Ireland 2-1 Finland