English Schools' Football Association

England No. 3 Josh Glover challenges No. 18 Conor Rosato

A cold evening greeted the players at AFC Telford United on Friday 04 March. A slow start ensued and both teams struggled to create any real clear chances.

England managed to gain free-kicks in some dangerous areas, but poor deliveries ensured that the set pieces came to nothing.

The young lions’ best opportunity of the first period did not come until the 38^th minute, when Jamie Summers dropped his shoulder on the edge of the area and curled a shot which fell harmlessly into Ross Glendenning’s arms.

On 40 minutes, Josh Hart, the England keeper, was called into action when he made a fantastic save from Northern Ireland’s Conor Rosato. However, England failed to clear the resulting corner, which lead to the deadlock being broken following a scrambled effort by number 9, John McGuigan.

England enjoyed a large percentage of possession in the second half without creating many chances. Thomas Boakye curled a left foot shot well wide of the upright on 60 minutes. The next effort came with 15 minutes remaining when a Jamie Summers’ header, following a free kick, was well saved by the Northern Irish keeper.

England did manage to get the ball in the back of the net with ten minutes remaining, but Jordan Ayris’ effort was judged offside.

Northern Ireland effectively ended the match on 82 minutes when number 19, Jude Winchester blasted home from inside the England penalty area.

ENGLAND: Josh Hart (GK), Thomas Boakye, Josh Glover, Cliff Moyo, Jamie Summers, Jordan Ayris, Jack Wood, Connor Thompson, Jack Sherratt, Alex Meaney, Jonathan Barden. Subs: Jack Vallis, Josh White, Jonny Evans, Fabio Goncalves De Abreu, Scott Cheetham, Ed Baldy (GK), Tom Hurley.

NORTHERN IRELAND: Ross Glendinning (GK), Caoimhin Bonner, Mark Carson, Eamonn Hughes, John McGuigan, Martin Murray, Niall Quinn, Thomas Robinson, Conor Rosato, Jude Winchester, Josh Robinson. Subs: Cathair Friel, Aaron Harkin, Neil Lowry, Caolan McAleer, Sam Boylan, Blane Scott (GK), Calum Birney.

Attendance: 781.

For more photographs of the match go to www.rwt-photography.co.uk