Dundalk FC trio TJ Molloy, Seán Spaight and Calum Woods (pictured) will all hope to be in action when Ireland take on Northern Ireland in the Victory Shield decider in Scotland on Sunday morning.
Molloy and Spaight are part of Paul Osam’s Ireland Under-16 squad and have been key figures in both of their games this week. Molloy netted against both Scotland and Wales, while Spaight – who captained his country in the two games – was on the mark against the Welsh.
Molloy had put the Irish in front with just nine minutes remaining against the Scots on Tuesday, but the hosts quickly equalised and went on to earn a bonus point by winning the penalty shootout 4-3, in which Molloy converted his spot-kick.
TJ Molloy celebrates scoring for Ireland U16s v Scotland U16s in the Victory Shield. Photo by Gerry Scully.
On Thursday, Molloy and Spaight scored either side of Niall Sullivan’s goal as Ireland cruised into a commanding 3-0 lead before Wales bagged twice to make it a nervy finish for Osam’s side, who held out for a 3-2 win.
Woods, meanwhile, is part of Kris Lindsay’s Northern Ireland Under-16 squad. The Dundalk FC defender was on the bench for their thrilling 3-3 draw with Wales on Tuesday, with the Welsh earning a bonus point through a 3-1 win in the penalty shootout.
Woods was handed a start for their second match on Thursday, and he kept a clean-sheet as the North beat Scotland 1-0 to set up a ‘winner takes all’ finale with their neighbours on Sunday morning.
Both teams have four points after two games, each scoring four goals and conceding three, with a tense encounter expected on Sunday as Ireland look to win the Victory Shield for the third year running under Osam.
The tournament is being held at Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld and Sunday’s match kicks off at 11.30am.
Victory Shield Results
Tuesday 8th October: Scotland 1-1 Ireland (Scotland won 4-3 on penalties) & Wales 3-3 Northern Ireland (Wales won 3-1 on penalties).
Thursday 10th October: Scotland 0-1 Northern Ireland & Ireland 3-2 Wales.
Victory Shield Fixtures
Sunday 13th October: Northern Ireland v Ireland (kick-off 11.30am) & Scotland v Wales (kick-off 3.30pm).
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