Hosts Northern Ireland kick off under 19s' Euros with scoreless draw as goalkeeper proves key
Northern Ireland kicked off life as under 19s’ European Championships hosts with a scoreless draw against Ukraine.
Gareth McAuley’s side started group A with a share of the spoils at Larne’s Inver Park, with the eight-team tournament set to run in Northern Ireland until July 28.
Pierce Charles produced some key saves across each half and Braiden Graham came close to breaking the deadlock off Conor Barr’s pass before the break.
Northern Ireland’s programme continues with another Inver Park meeting on Thursday against holders Italy before taking on Norway at Crusaders’ Seaview next Sunday. Belfast’s Windsor Park will host the semi-finals and final.
NORTHERN IRELAND: Charles, Barr, Thompson, Briggs, Gallagher Lennon, Trickett, McClure, Graham, Morrison, McCallion, Glenfield. Subs (used): Goodman, Evans, J.Doherty, A.Doherty, Hamilton.