A NOEL McGEE header in the closing minutes gave the Irish Defence Forces a 1-0 victory over the UK Armed Forces in Kilkenny on Wednesday.
There was very little between the two teams until McGee pounced in the 89th minute to meet Chris Kenny's pass and head in the winning goal. It was a day of double celebrations for Kenny as his partner gave birth to a baby boy earlier in the day.
Kenny was wearing the captain's armband for Declan Sheridan's side in what was a worthwhile test for the Defence Forces to aid their preparation for next month's European Championships.
The first chance of the game arrived on 20 minutes when Gerry Walsh roamed into a good position but was just off target with his header. The visitors then went close before Irish set-pieces began to cause problems.
After a scoreless first period, Sheridan made three changes and it took time for them to regain their rhythm until Jodie Dillon forced UK goalkeeper Matt Shortt into a fine save.
However, there was little that Shortt could do to deny McGee in the closing minutes as the home team secured the win.
TEAMS
Irish Defence Forces: Brown (Deegan h-t); Scullion (Fox 84), Long, L Delaney (Shortt 73), Grace, Dempsey (Duffy 79), Friel, Kenny, Poutch (McGee h-t), Gettins (Dillon h-t), Walsh (S Delaney 73).
UK Armed Forces: Shortt; Cushion, Evans, Dixon, Broadbent, Williams (Woodhouse 72), Stoneman, Kerr (Berry 74), Claisse, Todd, Prior.
