MAURICE PRICE'S Republic of Ireland under-18s take a slender lead to Iceland next week as they attempt to qualify for the UEFA Youths Championship finals in France in July. After a powerful and skilful first- half display, the home side failed ultimately to overrun the visitors in their first-leg play-off at Dalymount Park last night.
Watched by senior team manager Mick McCarthy, Ireland dominated from the start, playing some delightful attacking football, but needed a 23rd-minute penalty to ease their nerves.
The impressive Glen Crowe got in behind the Icelandic defence on to David Worrell's pass but was tripped by the retreating Runar Agustsson. Ian Haite sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot kick.
A splendid second Irish goal in the 34th minute seemed to kill off Iceland's challenge. Simon Webb swept the ball wide to Lee Boylan on the right and Webb volleyed home the low cross from 12 yards.
Early second-half chances from Harte and Alan Kirby were squandered before Iceland got their crucial away goal in the 55th minute. It was a bolt from the blue as substitute Nordur Steinarsson ran on to a square pass from Thorbjorn Sveinsson to beat Derek O'Connor in the Irish goal with a stunning 35-yard drive that dipped under the crossbar.
