NI Under-19's lose opening Milk Cup game

Northern Ireland's Under-19 team have lost their opening Milk Cup Group 1 match at the Coleraine Showgrounds.

The home side were comprehensively beaten 4-1 by Paraguay who subsequently secured their place in Thursday's Elite Section final.

Northern Ireland's cause wasn't helped when senior international Pat McCourt was sent off for a second bookable offence in the first half.

McCourt, who play's for English Third Division side Rochdale, was red carded as the referee judged he had deliberately dived in the penalty area.

However, Northern Ireland were already two goals down at that stage.

While manager Roy Millar's hopes were briefly raised when Gary Browne scored shortly afterwards, Paraguay added two more in the second half to win 4-1.

The South American's enter the final stage having already beaten Wales 2-1 on Monday.

(MB)