The Republic of Ireland Men’s Under-15s were edged out on spot-kicks 3-2 in the first of a friendly double-header against Poland this week. The game finished 0-0 in normal time in Zbaszynek meaning the contest went to a shootout. Jakub Zieliński was the hero for the hosts saving three Ireland penalties. Head Coach Jason Donohue had called-up five players for the first time to an international squad with Manchester United’s Jay McEvoy, Shamrock Rovers’ Goodness Ogbonna, Finn Harps’ Alex Cullen and Derry City pair Oli Devlin and Glenn McCourt all included. Each of those were in the matchday squad with Vancouver Whitecaps’ Grady McDonnell captaining the side. The best chance of the early exchanges fell to Ireland in the 13th minute when Brody Lee fed a ball to Michael Noonan and the St.Patrick’s Athletic striker forced a fine save from Zieliński. Shortly after, Lee had an attempt at goal but saw his effort hit the side netting. In the 21st minute Jaden Umeh forced Zieliński into another save when his shot from the edge of the six-yard-box forced the Poland goalkeeper to get down and save low. Poland started to grow into the contest but both teams went in all square at half-time.
RESULT | #IRLU15 | 🇵🇱 0-0 🇮🇪 (Poland win 3-2 on penalties)
Great effort from our MU15s who hold the hosts in normal time but are denied the win on spot-kicks
The two sides meet again on Friday morning ☘️#COYBIG | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/V6091D9zpE— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) November 8, 2022
Just after half-time Alex Noonan in the Ireland goal was called into action when he denied Poland captain Sammy Dudek from close range before the Irish defence could scramble it away. The game became much more even with Noonan only called into action 10 minutes before the end, this time saving low to his left to deny a late Poland winner. With the game ending 0-0 it went to penalties. McEvoy and Muhammad Oladiti were successful from the spot and Noonan denied Mateusz Cegliński but Zieliński’s three saves saw the hosts win 3-2. The teams meet again on Friday morning. Poland: Zieliński, Kędziora, Cegliński, Malota, Ruszkiewicz, Sianiawski, Dudek (C), Korzeniowski, Węgrzyn, Nowicki, Baczewski. Substitutes: Biocki, Foks, Leniart, Pieczeka, Baj, Uchronski, Bartkowiak, Tarkowski, Levy Republic of Ireland: A. Noonan, Oladiti, Steward (McGrath, 75), McDonagh, Solanke, Finneran, McDonnell (C) (Costello, 57), Martos (McEvoy, 62), Lee (Hayes, 57), Umeh (Doyle, 68), M.Noonan (Ogbonna, 62) International fixtures/results (kick-offs are Irish time)Tuesday, November 8 | Poland MU15 0-0 Republic of Ireland MU15 (Poland win 3-2 on penalties) Friday, November 11 | Poland MU15 v Republic of Ireland MU15, Babimost, Poland, KO 11am
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