Malta U-17 lost to Northern Ireland by the two goals to one last weekend in their third and final game of this UEFA mini-tournament, played in Finland.

After a balance first half, the Irish applied more pressure after the interval in their bid to win maximum points and qualify as runners-up from Group Two.

After 15 minutes play in the second half, Malta defender Steve Bezzina was sent off for a professional foul and from the ensuing free-kick the Irish scored their opening goal.

Twenty minutes later Angus Buhagiar scored an equaliser for the young Maltese team but with just four minutes from time striker Michael O'Conner hit the winning goal for the Irish.

With the points won, N. Ireland qualified for the finals together with hosts Finland who managed to win all their three matches.

Mark Miller's team finished last in the group behind Croatia.

Malta line-up: J. Galea, E. Agius, S. Bezzina, E. Cutajar, B. Bonnici, J. Grioli (R. Camilleri), M. Borg (R. Mifsud), J. Vassallo, A. Buhagiar, J. S. Vasquez, B. Camilleri (D. Zarb).

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