A second-half goal from Shamrock Rovers’ Bobby Zeller was enough to see Ireland Boys Under-16s overcome Poland in Żary.

In the first of two games between the teams this week, Ireland dug in to win what is the first game for the Under-16s this international season.

Ireland can thank Shamrock Rovers’ Alex Byrne who pulled off two superb saves to deny Poland as he kept a clean sheet for the young boys in Green.

The first half coughed up few chances with both sides trying to get the measure of each other. Ireland created the better opportunities, first  Josh O’Dwyer saw his effort sting the palms of Olsztyn in the Polish goal. Then Archie Quinn had a great chance in the 27^th minute when pressure from Ireland saw them overturn the ball on the edge of the Polish area and the square ball to Quinn caught him on his heals and he was unable to convert.  

Byrne pulled off a fine save in the 34^th minute when he was equal to Adam Gawronski’s effort to keep the game at nil-all.

In the 37^th minute, Quinn was able to fashion another chance for himself but after doing all the hard work he saw his effort flash over the bar.

It would be all square at all time and still nothing between the teams. Byrne again did superb to pull off a finger-tip save from distance as Poland looked to break the deadlock.

But in the 72^nd minute Ireland took the lead. A patient build-up by Jason Donohue’s team saw Ethan Kelly beat his man, pull back a cross that deflected into the path of Zeller to fire home for Ireland.

It would prove to be the winner and the teams go head-to-head again on Thursday.

Poland: Olsztyn, Suchodol, Zuchora, Mak, Brzozka, Mazan, Bakhno, Swiatek, Jubowski, Bialooki, Gawronski. Substitutes: Fojut, Kowalksi, Fankowicz, Andrzejkowicz, Falkowski, Mrowinski, Szymanksi, Bochenek, Kwiecinski.

Ireland: Byrne, Noland, McKeown, Afonin (Bedlow, 57'), Marshall (Nichols, 77'), Rascau (O'Donnell, 77'), Daly (Zeller, 66'), O’Dwyer (C) (Collins, 66'), Alijabir (Morrall, 66'), Kelly (Lowry, 77'), Quinn (Fay, 77').

International Friendly Result/Fixture 

Monday, September 22 | Poland 0-1 Ireland 
Thursday, September 25 | Poland vs Ireland, Szprotawa, Poland, KO 12pm*

*Kick-offs in Irish time