UNDER-23 CHALLENGE TROPHY - N Ireland 0 Rep of Ireland 1: Stephen Rice snatched a late, late winner for the Republic of Ireland in Mourneview Park, Lurgan last night to send Pat Fenlon's team to the top of its qualification group in the International Challenge Trophy competition.
Rice's diving header in injury time from Paul Keegan's free-kick earned victory in front of onlooking Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni.
This game was delayed by 20 minutes due to a dispute over who would wear white socks after a clash of colours. When the teams did eventually appear, Northern Ireland came out wearing the blue socks of host club, Glenavon.
Northern Ireland created the better chances after Dungannon Swifts goalkeeper Dwayne Nelson saved superbly to deny David Mooney after 18 minutes.
Thomas Stewart was denied by Conor Kenna's goal-line clearance before Linfield striker Peter Thompson, saw a volley crash off a post in the 31st minute.
Five minutes later Jamie Mulgrew fired a 25-yard effort just wide. In the second half Northern Ireland continued to dominate, but Rice had the last word.
NORTHERN IRELAND:D Nelson, B Holland, C McClean, J Mulgrew, A Watson, K Lindsay, S Ward, R Clarke, P Thompson, T Stewart, D Scullion Booked: Lindsay (55) Subs: C Keenan, D Ogilby, C Coates, D Boyce, R McIlmoyle, S Garrett (for Scullion, 57), M McAllister (for Stewart 73)
REP OF IRELAND:B Murphy, G O'Brien, C Powell, C Kenna, S Guthrie, P Keegan, JP Kelly, S Rice, M Quigley, D Mooney, K Brennan. Subs: B Clarke, R Higgins, P Kavanagh, D Murphy (for Kenna 78), D Murphy, D Pender, D Behan (for Kelly, ht), G Rowe (for Quigley, 65). Booked: Quigley (52)
Referee:Adrian McCourt.
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