BY HARRY WALSH
TWO young Donegal footballers were part of the Ireland U18 team who recorded an impressive victory in the Czech Republic this evening.
Inishowen goalkeeper Harry Doherty (Charlton Athletic) and Letterkenny’s Chris Flanagan (Finn Harps) both played the 90 minutes in the impressive 2-0 friendly victory over Czech Republic in Libcice nad Vltauou today.
Fellow Donegal men Ryan Rainey (Wolves) and Peter Burke (Sunderland AFC) were also part of Paul Doolin’s 20-strong panel.
Ireland’s preparations were hampered by an injury to starting keeper Burke in the warm-up but fellow Inishowen man Harry Doherty stepped in and produced an accomplished display.
Goals by Cobh Ramblers striker Ryan Goldsmith and West Bromwich Albion’s Jack Hallahan helped claim the victory.
The Irish went ahead on 29 minutes when Goldsmith found the net with a brilliant left-footed free-kick.
Substitute Gareth McCaffery was unlucky not to cap off a fine move in the 62nd minute after connecting with a cross by Liam Flatley after good work in the build-up by Chris Flanagan.
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’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.
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