LD U18 team rely on late equaliser to rescue 1-1 draw.

Scotland 1-1 England
Home Nations U18 Tournament
Tuesday 6 April
Billy Neil Centre, Belfast

England struggled to overcome a well organised and committed Scottish team in their second game of the Home Nations Tournament at the Billy Neil centre in Belfast.

On a rain sodden pitch, the Three Lions failed to match the promise shown in their comprehensive win over the Republic of Ireland the previous day although England were dominant throughout the game and could not capitalise on the countless chances they created.

Manager Dennis Mortimer gave a start to new cap Carl Johnson but he found the going difficult against a resolute Scotland midfield and the first half passed without either side creating a plethora of chances.

Patrick Gaskin saved well in the 22nd minute after England failed to clear a corner and it found a Scottish forward in space just eight yards out, but his fierce shot was saved by Gaskin's legs. England had a number a near misses at the other end, the best being a 25 yarder from Matty Bryans.

The second half saw England start much brighter and virtually from the kick-off, Royce Greenidge headed against the bar from a Tom Figg corner. This pattern continued and England were camped in the Scottish half.

Scotland tried to counter attack but the defence was well marshalled by Gaskin and the ever reliable Louis Wright. Then in the 75th minute, Scotland scored from a corner and they began dreaming of a famous victory.

This shock produced England's best football and they started to replicate the form shown the previous day. In the 88th minute, Leronne Plummer was brought down in the box and England were awarded a penalty. Unfortunately, that was missed after a long delay by Chris McGinty, whoe effort struck the bar.

However, England continued to press and after a period of sustained pressure, Matty Bryans played a perfect cross which bypassed the goalkeeper for Plummer to head home the easiest of chances.

Speaking after the game, England Coach Chris Dowhan told The FA.com: “We are all very disappointed by today’s result. The players did not play to their potential, although all credit to Scotland for their defensive display. We are still top of the group on goal difference and go into the final game against Northern Ireland in control of our own destiny. We have a rest day tomorrow (Wednesday) and we will try to get the players ready for our final game."

England: P. Gastin, C.Bibbey, C.Allen, M.Willams, L.Wright, T.Figg, R.Greenidge, C.McGinty, C.Johnson (G.Simmons, 65), S. McEnery   (L.Plummer, 55), M.Bryans.