School football: Scots Under-18’s suffer defeat

Scotland’s Lloyds TSB Under-18 team suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Northern Ireland in the opening Centenary Shield match in Dungannon.

After a great show by goalkeeper Christopher Truesdale (Coatbridge High School) to keep the home side at bay in the first-half, Scotland took the lead with just 15 minutes remaining thanks to a great goal from Jamie Barclay (St Margaret’s High School).

Scotland looked set to hold on for a valuable win, but their resistance was broken with just four minutes remaining when Ryan Corrigan rifled an unstoppable 25-yard shot right foot drive into the top corner. The goal clearly rattled the previously assured Scottish youngsters who went on to concede again just two minutes later.

Corrigan picked up the loose ball after the Scottish defence only half cleared and he managed to squeeze the ball past Truesdale via a couple of deflections.

The next match is against Wales at Bangor on Friday.