With both teams winning their opening matches of the Centenary Shield, this fixture was billed as a top of the table clash early on in the competition. Northern Ireland's home win against Scotland and Wales' injury time heroics away in England set this tie up nicely on Thursday evening at Aberystwyth Town FC.

It was typical Welsh weather on Thursday night with driving wind and rain threatening to spoil the occasion but thanks to the hardwork of the Aberystwyth Town FC club volunteers and artificial surface, the game went ahead with no interruptions. Wales began the first half the brighter creating Northern Ireland some issues down the left flank with Telor Williams and Alaric Jones exploiting a defensive weakness. Wales squandered numerous chances to go in front, again quality of Wales' finishing or last ditch defending by Northern Ireland denied them going in front. As much as Wales dominated the first 20 minutes, the quality of the final pass was missing ruing some missed opportunities for the young Welsh players. Northern Ireland started to grow into the game and looked promising in attack causing the Welsh some defensive problems but their defence stood firm with both teams holding out till half time, 0 - 0 the scoreline.

The second half provided a similar level of entertainment for the neutral, both teams sharing chances but Northern Ireland were more physical and decisive with their chances. On the 73rd minute, Wales' poor clearance was intercepted and after three quick one touch passes the Northern Irish had a shot on goal, only for the Welsh goalkeeper Eric Green to parry into the path of an on rushing Irish player to squeeze home at the near post. Jubilation for the Irish but heart break for a Welsh team who had conceded a goal in four international matches prior to the fixture. Nonetheless, the Welsh players pressurised the Irish defence and looked dangerous from set pieces. As time was running out, Wales had one last chance to equalise but Charlie Caton's shot was blocked by the on rushing Northern Irish player. Final score was 1 - 0 to Northern Ireland, a game where Wales will feel it was a missed opportunity to stake their claim on the tournament but for Northern Ireland, two wins in two puts them as firm favourites for the Shield at the halfway stage.

Up next for the schoolboys is Scotland at Cefn Druids FC on Thursday 11th April 7.00pm KO. Pob Iwc!

TEAM: Eric Green, Evan Lloyd (Charlie Caton 65'), Bobby Beaumont, Lee Jenkins, Ben Vanstone, Telor Williams, Scott Butler (Oliver Lanceley 79'), Toby Vickery, Dylan Jones, Jack Wilson, Alaric Jones (Tristan Jenkins 29') (Subs: Shaun Gardiner, Joe Dyer, Tristan Jenkins, Charlie Caton, Oliver Lanceley, Jake Hampson)

Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmaN3dng