Czech Republic 0 Republic of Ireland 2

REPUBLIC of Ireland U18 Head Coach Paul Doolin has hailed his young squad after their impressive 2-0 friendly victory over Czech Republic in Libcice nad Vltauou. The team in this game was captained by ex SKB’s Ryan Robinson and also included former SKB players in Sean Heaney, Dylan Kavanagh and Philip Gannon (who was injured for this game).

Goals by Cobh Ramblers striker Ryan Goldsmith and West Bromwich Albion’s Jack Hallahan helped claim the victory.

Ireland’s preparations were hampered by an injury to starting keeper Peter Burke in the warm-up but Harry Doherty stepped in and produced an accomplished display.

The Irish went ahead on 29 minutes when Goldsmith found the net with a brilliant left-footed free kick.

Hallahan wrapped up the scoring in the 89th minute when he produced a clever finish after an excellent Irish move.

“It was a very good performance. The goals we conceded on Tuesday weren’t great but I knew it would be tough as we only met the lads on Saturday whereas the Czechs have a full programme and meet four times a month,” said Doolin.

“It was a fantastic result and very good to keep a clean sheet. We scored two fantastic goals from Ryan Goldsmith and Jack Hallahan.

“We came here not knowing much about opposition but we did very well. The defending was excellent Dylan Barnett, Jamie Mulhall and Sean Heaney all did well – everybody worked very hard and we had to deal with their physicality. They were aggressive and strong.

“It’s a fantastic result. It’s incredible how much access the Czechs have with their U18s. The Czechs had periods of domination in the first half but we put in a very good display. It’s been a decent week.”

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Harry Doherty (Charlton Athletic),Dylan Barnett (Brighton & Hove Albion), Sean Heaney (Shamrock Rovers), Chris Flanagan (Finn Harps), Harry Charsley (Everton), Jack Bayly (St Patrick’s Athletic), Jamie Mulhall (Longford Town), Joel Coustrain (Sheffield United), Daryll Power (Wexford Youths AFC), Ryan Robinson (Shelbourne FC), Ryan Goldsmith (Cobh Ramblers). Subs: Josh Cullen (West Ham United) for Bayly 46, Dylan Kavanagh (UCD AFC) for Coustrain 63, Liam Flatley (Sligo Rovers FC) for Goldsmith 68, Gareth McCaffery (Hibernian FC) for Power 69, Pierce Mitchell (Bristol City FC) for Mulhall 84, Jack Hallahan (West Bromwich Albion) for Barnett 79.

FIXTURES

Tuesday, April 1
U18 Friendly International
Czech Republic 2 Republic of Ireland 1,

Thursday, April 3
U18 Friendly International
Czech Republic 0 Republic of Ireland 2,