No Show At Showgrounds
Thur, Nov 19 2009
Steve Beaglehole's U-21 side were buried by two late first-half goals at Ballymena Showgrounds last night in the latest U-21 European Championship qualifier against the Czech Republic.
Despite Burnley-born Oliver Norwood's consolation late in the second half, Nigel Worthington can take some heart that players such as Norwood could well claim a place in the senior squad in the not too distant future.
It has been no secret that Worthington has been publicly keeping a close eye on Steve Beaglehole’s players with a number of them already having been involved in our admirable performances in the recent World Cup qualifiers.
Unfortunately, despite a sterling 1-1 against Germany last Friday, this is the U-21's fourth defeat in five games. A denied penalty last night has perhaps made a difference, but it leaves Northern Ireland struggling.
Worthington, who was at the game, is keeping a very close eye on Oliver Norwood as is said to really favour the skill and technique the young Man Utd player is displaying at such an early age. Also in attendance were Ryan McGivern, Corey Evans, Craig Cathcart, Chris Casement and James McClean, all players we can expect to see playing some part in our forthcoming European Championship Qualifier campaign.
Northern Ireland were predominantly outplayed by a well organized Czech team, but should have gone ahead when Billy Kee failed to connect with an inch perfect cross from Ryan McGivern. The two quick goals in the 36th and 38th minute gifted the visitors the points before halftime with goals from Zeman and Kozak.
Lowly San Marino's hope for the future seem pretty grim as they went down 11-0 to Germany in the same Group last night.
Final Score N Ireland (0) 1 Czech Republic (2) 2
NORTHERN IRELAND Carson, Hodson (McQuoid 46), McGivern, Evans, Flynn, Cathcart, Weir (Casement 71), Norwood, Kee, Lawrie (Ferguson 80), McClean. Subs: O'Neill, Ferguson, Boyce, McQuoid, Magennis, Casement, McLaughlin.
CZECH REPUBLIC: Vaclík, Mazuch, Čelůstka, Vácha, Hořava, Dockal (Wojnar 88), Rabušic (Vošahlík 70), Zeman (Kovarik 90+3), Mareček, Suchý, Kozák Subs: Jakubov, Smejkal, Dreksa, Vošahlík, Kovarik, Wojnar, Micola.
Referee: Alex Deaconu (Romania)
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