NORTHERN Ireland’s Women’s Under-15 development team produced an excellent display to draw 1-1 with England Schools in their opening game in the annual Bob Docherty Cup tournament, also featuring the Republic hosts and Scotland in Athlone.
Ruby Adair, from Newbridge College, Loughbrickland, scored the Northern Ireland goal but England gained an extra point by winning the penalty shootout 3-1.
Northern Ireland started strongly and forced a couple of corners, with attacker Ruby Adair causing the England defence problems down the right flank.
An England player headed into the side netting before they took the lead from the penalty spot on 15 minutes.
Northern Ireland keeper Zara McAvoy made two good stops as England pushed for a second as the first half drew to a close (30 mins each half).
After the break Northern Ireland upped the tempo. Three minutes in, Maja Stachura slipped the ball to Adair and she fired the ball into the roof of the net to make it 1-1.
Adair was through on goal again but pulled her shot just wide, while Abbie Smyth curled in a dangerous cross which Ava Hurl headed past the upright. Then Smyth cut inside and fired in a shot, but the England keeper held on to the ball.
England were awarded another penalty in added time. They failed to convert it this time, however.
A penalty shootout followed the final whistle, was won by England.
The draw in regulation time means Northern Ireland have started their campaign with a point, while England have been awarded an extra point. The Republic defeated Scotland 2-1 in the other opening day game at the tournament.
Next up for Northern Ireland is a match against Scotland Schools.
Northern Ireland WU15s: Zara McAvoy, Holly Hilton, Mirijana Karrabecaj, Chloe Beckinsale, Lily Brooke Wallace, Charlotte Havern, Emilee Leacock, Abbie Smyth, Maja Stachura, Ruby Adair, Grace McAllister.
Substitutes: (used) Ava Hurl, Heidi Curran, Madison Bell (GK), Jemima Hernan, Sophie Graham; (unused) Daisy Moore, Grace Campbell.
