BY CORMAC CROSSAN
Two young members of the Finn Harps squad – Sean Patton of Drumkeen and Aaron McLaughlin of Kerrykeel – were both involved in Tom Mohan’s Ireland Men’s Under-19 squad in their three-game window as they prepare for the upcoming UEFA Under-19 Championship qualifiers.
They ended the three-game window today with a draw to hosts, Slovenia.
In the opening stages Ireland looked the more comfortable side however, they couldn’t create any clear cut chances. Cork City player Cathal O’Sullivan came close in the 25th minute when a cross caught the keeper off guard and struck the bar. A few moments later Irish keeper, Marcus Gill produced a save out of the top drawer to deny Slovenia the lead.
It was the hosts that took the lead against the run of play with Luka Topaovic providing the finish. Just past the hour mark Ireland got back on level terms after a moment of class from St Patrick’s Athletic’s 16-year-old striker Mason Melia which would be enough to secure a draw. Both harps men came off the bench to conclude the three game window.
Patton started in their opening game which was a defeat to a very talented French side. However, McLaughlin came on in the 76th minute and made an immediate impact as he ran on to a ball over the top and forced the keeper to take him down, awarding the boys in green a penalty which was converted.
In their second of the three games McLaughlin started and again he showed his worth by holding up a long ball and laid it off to Dillion who chipped the keeper, earning him an assist. Patton also came off the bench in the 70th minute and made a positive impact.
It’s great to see the young men representing the Harps at international level.
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