MAURICE PRICE'S somewhat experimental Irish under-18s lost by the only goal in a challenge match against a weak Finnish team at Dalymount Park last night.

Dominating possession throughout, Ireland were nonetheless caught cold at the back after 30 minutes. A quick break down the right resulted in Mika Kouhi's cross being driven home from 16 cards by the visitors captain, Ville Lehtinen.

Ireland could have been three goals up by then but for Toni Eta-Seppaia saving admirably from both John Andrews and then Alan Lee. Barry Quinn subsequently smacked a volley against the crossbar from a Tony Folan corner and then Keith Crawford shot wide having been played through by Barry Quinn.

The game deteriorated in the second half as Finland were content to defend en bloc. The nearest to an equaliser came on 62 minutes when Pat O'Hanlon looped a header from a Barry Quinn cross wide of the target.