Newtowncunningham’s Ronan McKinley played the second half today as the Republic of Ireland U17s went down 3-2 to the Czech Republic at a rain-sodden Tallaght Stadium.
After a bright opening, the visitors took the lead just before the half hour mark. David Pech glided past two would be tacklers to fire across goalkeeper Harry Halwax into the bottom corner.
Head Coach Colin O’Brien made three changes at the break and within five minutes of the restart his side were in front.
First Real Betis centre-half Anselmo Garcia MacNulty volleyed home a Festy Ebosele corner. That was followed up two minutes later with a fantastic finish from Sean Kennedy after impressive build up play from Ebosele once again.
Czech Republic levelled matters once again in the 63rd minute when Filip Silhart sent Halwax the wrong way from the penalty spot.
With 10 minutes added on at the end of the second half due to a lengthy stoppage, there was still plenty of time for both sides to try find a winner. That chance duly came for the visitors on the break with David Pech finishing from close range to give the Czechs the win.
Ireland are back in action on Wednesday afternoon when they take on Germany at Tallaght Stadium.
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