Last updated : 02 October 2004 By Ed_ScottishFitba
Scotland Under 16s drew their opening Victory Shield match against Northern Ireland on Friday night. A rollercoaster of game saw the lead change twice and end up as a 2-2 draw at McDiarmid Park in Perth.
Both sides found it difficult to get into their stride due to the poor weather conditions. It was not until the stroke of half time that Scotland took the lead when Hearts striker Mark McCusker robbed a defender and coolly rounded the Irish goalkeeper to open the scoring. While a good time to score, Scotland did not hold on to the lead for very long. Early in the second half, the visitors forced their way back into the game and took the lead with goals from McGurk and McGovern. However, the fighting spirit of the Scottish youngsters had not been dampened by the weather and, in the 54 minute, Dundee United youngster David Goodwillie equalise. He went on a mazy run through the Irish defence which ended with him curling the ball into the net for a superb goal.
Scotland's next game is against Wales at New Bayview in Methil on Thursday, 28 October.
