Ireland U-16 draw 5-5 with Russia

Ireland U-16 boys snatched a late point against Russia in an absolute cracker to keep their hopes of a semi-final berth firmly on track.

Despite going down to ten men after only five minutes, Ireland opened the scoring in the eigth minute, when William Edgar found himself unmarked at the back post but Russia immediately equalised through a penalty corner drag flick from Zamalutdinov.

Two minutes later Russia took the lead from another penalty corner, when the ball fell kindly to Bolshakov after a great initial save from Ireland goalkeeper Collin Cleland.

The game had barely restarted when Ireland drew level through a Stephen Dowds’ drag-flick.

Ireland then laid siege on the Russian defence and their goalkeeper, Dryanitsyn pulled off two superb saves before Philip Doyle’s volley made it 3-2 in the 15th minute. It could have been even better but a netted effort two minutes later was adjudged outside the circle.

It was unfortunate as Russia equalised with a shot from outside the circle that seemed to come off an Ireland defender’s before Koryakovskiy walked the ball into net to make the half-time score a breath-taking 4-3.

Ireland missed a host of chances – including three penalty corners and a penalty stroke – before Andrew Shekleton levelled with eight minutes to go but another Zamalutdinov drag flick gave the Russians the advantage once more.

But Ireland’s endeavours were rewarded in the last 60 seconds when Tom Samuel scored from a rebound to end an entertaining affair.

Ireland now play table-toppers, the Netherlands, needing a point against the already qualified side to guarantee a semi-final place. If not, goal difference could become a vital factor – Russia would need an eight goal swing to advance.