N Ireland U17s defeat Finland 3-2

Kenny SHiels' side come back after first game defeat against Germany

Northern Ireland Under-17s are back in contention for qualification to the European Championship finals after a 3-2 win over Finland in Venray.

Kenny Shiels' side were hit by an early goal from Akseli Pelvas before West Brom youth star Garth McDonald tapped in the equaliser.

Ballinamallard's Andy Little gave NI the lead on 72 minutes before McDonald grabbed his second.

NI had a sweat near the end when Patrik Lomski converted a penalty.

Shiels' side will now face hosts Holland on Tuesday. The Dutch held Germany to a 1-1 draw yesterday leaving them both on four points in the group with Northern Ireland a point behind, three ahead of the Finns.

Shiels said: "It was a terrific effort by the boys and I am delighted for them to come out of it with success. We played really well in the first half and then hit them with two late goals in quick succession.

"It was important that we gave ourselves an interest going into the last game. If we can beat the Dutch and Germany fail to win against Finland then we would be through."

Northern Ireland: Chris McIlmurray (Glenavon), Craig Cathcart (Man Utd), Liam McMenamin (Sheff. Wed.), Aaron Robinson (Larne), Ryan McGivern (Man. City), Fearghal Burke (Linfield), Geoff McGaw (Stoke City), Adam McGurk (Aston Villa), Richard Flaherty (Ballinamallard Utd), Garth McDonald (WBA), Andrew Little (Ballinamallard). Subs: Jamie McGovern (WBA) for Flaherty (54 mins), David Cushley (Ballymena Utd) for McGurk (62), Chris Murdock (Birmingham City) for Burke (67).