FYR Macedonia 0-2 Republic of Ireland
Colin O’Brien’s side produced a strong performance on a dry pitch in warm conditions to give the Irish side excellent preparation for next month’s UEFA U17 Championships Qualifying Round, which takes place in Bulgaria.
Celtic’s Barry Coffey scored a 12th minute opener then won a second half penalty which was converted by Norwich’s Adam Idah.
"We were focusing on performances this week in what we considered to be two strong tests for the players and that’s what we got today,” said O’Brien.
“I am very pleased with how the players executed the game plan so well. We scored a good first goal after excellent build up play and it was similar build-up play which produced the second goal from the penalty spot.
“Playing a game like this on a warm day on a dry pitch will give the players some feel for what we may get in Bulgaria in the qualifiers.
“The players had to understand the whole tactical approach such as when to play and when not to take risks so when we consider aspects such as that we were pleased with the workout overall.”
Coffey found the net after a combination led to Callum Thompson advancing then Tyrek Wright created space for midfielder Coffey to to make a late run through to penetrate the home defence and slot home.
Similar link-up play in the 56th saw Coffey break into the penalty area where he was taken down and Idah put it away. The sides will meet again on Sunday.
Republic of Ireland: Kian Clarke, Max Murphy, Nathan Collins, Oisin McEntee, Cameron Ledwidge, Jason Knight, Callum Thompson (Ciaran Brennan 56), Barry Coffey (Troy Parrott 56), Sean Brennan (Luca Connell 64), Adam Idah, Tyriek Wright (Sean Mahon 64).
via GET Sportonline
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