In sunny conditions at Springfield before a crowd of more than 200, Jersey took the lead after just 60 seconds following a fine strike from 18 yards by Bradley Russell.But by the ninth minute the Irish, who fielded a quartet of 15-year-olds, were level with a fantastic arching volley into the top corner by man-of-the-match Robert Garrett.
The lively red-headed attacking midfielder, who has had trials at Manchester Utd, Arsenal and Blackburn, saw Jersey goalkeeper Frazer Siddall off his goal-line and he pulled the trigger with precision to score from 30 yards.Midway through the half Russell saw a shot come back off the post and as Nathan Maguire struck the rebound goalwards, Russell stuck out a boot to change the direction of the ball only for Irish goalkeeper Chris Snow to brilliantly tip the ball over the crossbar.Luke Watson also went close with a powerful header as he worked well in central midfield together with Peter Vincenti, who broke up a lot of Irish play.The Irish, who beat Guernsey Under-18s 1-0 on Friday night, moved the ball well but their final pass to their strikers was often capably dealt with by Jersey’s well-drilled defensive unit.Garrett and Craig drove good efforts just wide of Jersey’s post and Jersey captain Vincenti had a goal-bound effort blocked after Snow had dropped the ball under pressure.
Joel Speight, who has been offered a contract at Southampton, turned in an assured role in central defence while Russell showed great composure in possession.Brett Pitman controlled a pass well and seeing Watson’s run on the left he rolled the ball into his path only for Watson to curl his shot wide of a post.Tackles were hard but fair as both sides battled for midfield supremacy.
Vincenti and Watson both had excellent tussles with Derek Craig and Ryan Harpur before a host of substitutions enabled Northern Ireland to finish strongly – Jason McAnulla, William Grattan and Martin Donnelly could all have scored a late winner.Jersey coach Dave Walsh said: ‘It was a good test for us and we came through it well.
The pitch was bumpy and I think it affected both teams.
But it was competitive and we showed good strength and pace and got stronger as it progressed.
Our front two played well and the two central defenders were also impressive.’It was a good game as we move towards the Muratti and we’re looking forward to matches against Caen Under-16s and The Army Under-18s in the next two weeks.’Ireland manager George Beattie said: ‘It was excellent preparation for us for our tournament next month.
Considering Jersey don’t play games at this level, I thought they did very well.’It was a more difficult game for us than against Guernsey.
Jersey were quick and sharp, they were fit and they were tenacious.
It’s been an excellent weekend and we can’t thank Sporting Eventualities and Iain Mackenzie and Paul Sowney enough.’We’ve really enjoyed ourselves.
The games have been very good and I see no reason why we can’t do it again in two years’ time, or possibly make it an annual event.’We’ve struck up a good relationship with officials in both islands and maybe both could come to us over a weekend in Northern Ireland.’Jersey: Fraser Siddall, Danny Hughes, Joel Speight, Tom Poole, David Syvret; Ryan Durand, Peter Vincenti, Luke Watson, Nathan Maguire; Brett Pitman, Bradley Russell.
Subs used: Jack Jouanny, Sam Dewhurst, Neil Crowell, Stephen Purdie, Mark Whitsey, Jamie Allan, Matthew Purdie and Carl Stoodley.Northern Ireland: Chris Snow, Ryan Mullan, Shane Mulgrew, Craig Cathcart, Darren McAnerny, Gareth McConnaghie, Derek Craig, Ryan Harpur, Robert Garrett, Chris Casement, Kyle Agnew.
Subs used: Craig Harris, Martin Donnelly, Ryan Berry, William Grattan and Curtis Allen.Officials: Steve Landick, Andy Cox and Ray Sutcliffe.
