Northern Ireland WU15s 2-3 Republic of Ireland
STEPHEN Graham, the Women’s Under-15s development team head coach, made five changes to the team that started the 0-0 draw against England in Northern Ireland’s second game in the Bob Docherty Tournament.
Saskia McLaughlin replaced Anna Roberts in nets, while defenders Grace Steele and Sasha Cowan came in for Caitlin Shields and Sara Devany.
Up front Abigail Curley and Annarose Robinson were given the nod, with Ellie Tohill and Annabelle Shaw dropping to the bench.
The annual Bob Docherty Tournament, run by the Schools’ Association Football International Board (SAFIB), is for U15 schoolgirls’ teams, although the respective squads usually feature several players involved in national development set-ups.
It was staged in Northern Ireland this year, with the games being played at Greenisland FC’s ground in County Antrim and at the nearby Ulster University Jordanstown campus.
The Republic’s win gave them a tournament victory with three wins out of three.
Northern Ireland started brightly and Republic keeper Sarah Doyle did well to grab the ball at Annarose Robinson’s feet as she was about to get a shot away.
The Republic took the lead on nine minutes, however Northern Ireland equalised on 20 minutes.
Charley McMullan fed Grace Murray, who beat two players before smashing the ball into the top corner. It was a great finish.
Saskia McLaughlin comfortably gathered in a Republic shot from distance as both sides tried to apply pressure.
On the stroke of half-time, Grace Guest fired in a shot which Doyle did well to keep out.
Half-time: Northern Ireland WU15s 1-1 Republic of Ireland WU15s
Two minutes into the second half Abi Curley sped down the right flank and delivered a lovely cross which was met by Robinson, whose shot found the bottom corner to make it 2-1 to Northern Ireland.
The Republic equalised a couple of minutes later, and then McLaughlin had to be alert to snuff out a one-v-one opportunity.
On 65 minutes Northern Ireland substitute Sara Devany guided an effort just wide of the post.In the closing stages the Republic grabbed what proved to be the winner with a well-struck free-kick.
The victory meant the Republic won the tournament overall, winning all three of their games. Scotland finished second after winning twice.
Both England and Northern Ireland drew one and lost two.
Full-time: Northern Ireland WU15s 2-3 Republic of Ireland WU15s
Northern Ireland WU15s: Saskia McLaughlin, Grace Steele, Anayah Lee, Sasha Cowan, Ellie-Mae Turner (captain), Grace Guest, Charley McMullan, Anna Smyth, Abigail Curley, Annarose Robinson, Grace Murray.
Substitutes: Anna Roberts (GK), Caitlin Shields, Sara Devany, Ellie Tohill, Grace Murray, Ella Wasson, Autumn Edgar, Grace Pinkerton.
Republic of Ireland WU15s: Sarah Doyle, Ava Hallinan, Matylda Stelmaszek, Ruby Boland, Lara Dallaghan, Halle Harcourt, Ruby Norris, Ellen Goggin, Abbie Duffy, Kyra Gavigan, Laila Hurley. Substitutes: Lucy Doyle Farrington (GK), Leah O’Leary Callender, Skye Barrett, Ciara Milton, Maisy Healy, Hailey Twomey, Ava Kelly.
