YFS
A storming first-half performance from Ireland was enough to secure them the Centenary Shield as they beat Scotland 3-1 at Home Park FC'S Whitehall Stadium.
A first-half blitz saw a double from Ali Regba sandwiched a terrific Liam Kerrigan strike to send Ireland in 3-0 in front at the break. It was a spirited and, at times, dominant second-half performance from Scotland, but they could only reply though a Nathan Fell header midway through the half.
Ireland came into the game knowing only a win would see them take the competition, whilst Scotland had previously kept two clean sheets out of their 0-0 draw with Northern Ireland and 2-0 victory in England.
However, their clean sheet record was up after just six minutes. Despite a positive start by Scotland, Ireland scored with their first chance as Jack Ryan played a lovely through ball for Regba to latch onto and slot past Fraser Currid.
Ronan Manning was really controlling the midfield after the opener, and any early flashes from Scotland were quickly put out, as the hosts dictated proceedings.
Kerrigan had already shown what he was capable of when his movement almost got on the end of another Ryan through ball, but it wasn't long before he truly made his mark.
Collecting the ball down the right hand side, there didn't look to be a lot on for the young striker. However, he cut onto his right foot and, after holding off pressure from Jack McDowall, he lashed home a superb left-footed effort into the top right-hand corner of Currid's net.
Cian Murphy, Daryl Walsh, and Mannigan all had chances to add to Ireland's tally, as Scotland struggled to defend crosses into their area.
The young Scots didn't heed the warnings though, and Ireland made it 3-0 before the half-hour mark when Ryan again fed Regba to slot home.
Scotland were often looking at Daniel Mackay to take the game to Ireland, but credit must go to Kieran Farren for how he marshalled the left-winger in the first 45.
It was by no means an ideal half for the Scots, who failed to create any real chances of note in the opening 45. For Ireland, it was the dream opening half.