THE Donegal Schoolboys ‘99 squad lost out to Middlesbrough in the Vase semi-final at the Milk Cup in Portstewart earlier this afternoon.
A minute’s silence was observed before the start of the game in memory of Brendan Ryan, grand father of Donegal player Jordan Ryan, who passed away suddenly as he made his way to watch the team play on Wednesday.
Following a scoreless first half, Swilly Rovers player Shane McNamee opened the scoring for Donegal for the second game in a row but on this occasion they were unable to hold out against a talented English side who equalised following a soft penalty but there was little debate about their winner which flew into the net from the edge of the area, giving goalkeeper Aaron Deeney (Illistrin) no chance.
Donegal made it through to the Vase semi-final with back to back wins on Tuesday and Wednesday.
On Wednesday, the juniors dominated proceedings against English side Sheffield United but it only goal of the game arrived ten minutes from time, courtesy of Swilly Rovers player Shane McNamee.
They opened the competition against top South American side, O’Higgins FC – losing by three goals to nil on Monday.
The Chilean side were well on top in this game, with Danny Walsh and Jack Keaney (free) coming closest for Donegal early on before O’Higgins scored two late first goals. The South Americans added a third midway through the second half.
On Tuesday, Donegal defeated Co Armagh 2-0 with goals in either half from Peader Mogan (Eany Celtic) and Patrick McColgan (Illistrin).
The team, managed by Mark McConnell and Paul Callan, finish off the week with a game against Queen of the South tomorrow.
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