Four Donegal players featured last night as the Republic of Ireland U18s drew 0-0 with Wales in the John Coughlan Memorial Cup at Graun Park, Tramore.
Redcastle United’s Denim McLaughlin, Buncrana Hearts’ Pat Loughrey and Derry City’s Ethan Coll all started in Jim Crawford’s team.
McLaughlin and Loughrey played the full game while Coll was replaced by Carndonagh’s Cade Cook in the 56th minute.
Cockhill Celtic’s Keegan Hegarty and Kildrum Tigers’ Justin McGee were unused substitutes.
Ireland were unlucky not to take the lead in the first five minutes. Ethan Varian’s looping header struck the crossbar, before the rebound was shot wide. In a first half of few chances, Luke Nolan shot inches wide midway through opening period, testing Welsh goalkeeper Alex Pinnock.
Wales started the second half the brighter, and only for some brave defending from Lee McKevitt, the visitors were unlucky to take the lead. Ireland grew into the second half, with Nolan coming close once more to scoring.
Speaking after the match, Republic of Ireland Under-18 head coach Jim Crawford was happy with how his side performed.
“I thought we were excellent in the first half. We started a little slower in the second half with Wales having the better chances,” he said.
“I’m happy for the team to keep a clean sheet, and with the amount of chances the team created tonight.”
The two teams return to action in Waterford on Thursday afternoon, with kick-off in the second and deciding game at 3pm.
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