Wales 2-2 Republic of Ireland
Jamie McDaid (52), Ryan Jones (55) Rob Lenihan (70), Joe O’Brien (89)
The Republic of Ireland Under/18 Schools' team came from two goals down to draw level with group leaders Wales in Carmathern Town FC on Thursday night (April 12, 2012):
Wales had a brace of goals within three minutes: The Welsh outfit took the lead courtesy of Jamie McDaid seven minutes into the second period: This lead was doubled three minutes later when Ryan Jones converted from close range:
The Republic of Ireland endured a disappointing first half and with the side 2/0 down within ten minutes of the second period, the boys in green faced an uphill battle:
However their dodgy determination paid off as twenty minutes from time Rob Henihan gave Horgan’s side a lifeline when he snatched one back for the visitors from a corner kick: The Irish gained confidence from the goal and were awarded a second on 89 minutes when Joe O’Brien scored the equaliser:
A nervy end to proceedings was witnessed as five additional minutes of injury time was indicated by the fourth official: The Irish had two excellent chances to snatch victory in the dying minutes but unfortunately couldn’t convert those well worked opportunities:
With the points shared, Wales are still enjoying pole position with their final game of the Shield away to Northern Ireland on April 20:
England also featured on Thursday night against Scotland with the hosts enjoying a 2/0 win: Michael Sweet got the English sides fist goal just over the hour mark and there lead was doubled ten minutes from time as Peter Glen Ravenhill converted: This result moves England to second in the table while the Republic of Ireland are placed third with their final game away to the English on April 26: