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Irish too strong for Maltese Under-18 team

Published: 09-12-2021 14:25
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UNDER-18 FRIENDLY09.12.2021Tony Bezzina Stadium, PaolaMALTA…1REP.IRELAND…7(HT 1-3)Micallef 27 (pen, M); O’Mahoney 10, 32, 47 (pen), Leddy 13, Hakiki 53, Lonergan 75, Murphy 86 (RI)Malta’ second Under-18 Friendly with the Republic of Ireland was target for the visitors, who took their chances well this morning, leaving Malta with some lessons to learn. The opponents, at times, found it too easy to penetrate deep into the Maltese box, while the whole team struggled to keep their strong opponents at bay while accelerating.  However, there were also some positives to report as our young lads, on the contrary of the first Friendly two days ago, created plenty of goalscoring opportunities throughout the match, with most of the players showing maturity in their actions. Compared with the first friendly, USA based Sebastian Azzopardi, Pieta’ duo Luca Gatt and Brooklyn Borg, and goalkeeper Adam Buttigieg were drafted into the starting eleven, with the latter making his international debut for Malta.  The first half was an action-packed affair, with lots of good football from both sides. The hosts opened aggressively and the first Maltese opportunity arrived on eight minutes, when captain Jake Micallef’s header sailed inches over the bar after a corner action. Up to that point, the Irish did not even come near the Maltese box, however, the visitors opened the score two minutes later, thanks to a Mark O’Mahoney grounder. In the 13th minute, Michael Leddy, unmarked at the far post, headed goal number two, from a free-kick by Oisin Gallagher.  On 25 minutes, Malta were awarded a penalty as Irish goalkeeper Noah Jauny brought down Brooklyn Borg in the box. The Irish goalkeeper needed to be replaced injured after this action. Micallef kept his cool from the spot and beat substitute goalkeeper Conor Walsh in the far corner. Just after the half hour, the Irish scored goal number three, again thanks to O’Mahoney, who beat Buttigieg from close-range after an inch perfect pass by David Toure. Nathan Cross could have pulled one back on 38 minutes, but blasted his volley high over the bar from an ideal angle. Four minutes later, after another well built-up attack by Malta, Azzopardi headed over the crossbar from a curling Matteo Gambin cross. On the stroke of half-time, Brooklyn Borg missed a sitter in the box after receiving from Shaisen Attard. Ireland added two more goals in quick succession after the break. On 47 minutes, the visitors were awarded a penalty after a hands ball incident in the Malta box. O’Mahoney made no mistake from the spot, blasting high past Buttigieg. Six minutes later, the visitors added goal number five when Jed Hakiki headed home without being challenged. A wonderful Brooklyn Borg first-timer was flagged for off-side on 73 minutes. Two minutes later, substitute Tom Lonergan added goal number six after being sent through the middle while four minutes before the final whistle, captain Alex Murphy headed the last goal of the match past Buttigieg.  This match wrapped up the international commitments for Malta in 2021. Malta will play several other friendly matches throughout next year, to continue preparing for the UEFA 2023 Under-19 Championships in Malta. Malta:  Adam Buttigieg, Ivin Farrugia, Miguel Azzopardi, Jake Micallef, Matteo Gambin (Mattias Ellul 67), Luca Gatt (Jake Grech 67), Lucas Caruana (Andrew Borg 54), Brooklyn Borg, Shaisen Attard (Jamie Scerri 54), Sebastian Azzopardi (Zack Barbara 46), Nathan Cross (Andrew Apap-Bologna 83).Coach: Alessandro Zinnari Rep. Ireland: Noah Jauny (Conor Walsh 26), David Toure (Sam Curtis 67), Ben Curtis, Alex Murphy, Cathal Heffernan, Oisin Gallagher (Jamie Mullins 52), James McManus (Justin Ferizaj 67), Jad Hakiki, John Ryan, Michael Leddy (Dara McGuinness 67), Mark O’Mahoney (Tom Lonergan 52).Coach: Colin O’Brien Referee: Ezekiel Barbara (Malta)