NORTHERN Ireland coach Gail Redmond lamented a late goal that saw her Under-17s lose 1-0 to hosts Scotland WU17s in a Euro qualifier in Cumbernauld.
Redmond said: “We very unfortunate not to get anything from the game. We executed a great game plan and were excellent throughout the 90 minutes.
“Again, most importantly, the game provided fantastic learning. Progress is being made that will take us through to our next game.”
Redmond made three changes to the side that started the first of three games in League A Group 4.I
In came Sophie Pollock, Lillie Horner and Olivia Campbell, while Caitlin Carlisle, Jessica McGuinness and Tara Kerr dropped to the bench.
Northern Ireland lost to Poland (5-0) in game one in A4, while the Scots defeated the other team in the group, Iceland, 2-0.
Northern Ireland had to endure pressure from Scotland from the start.
Scotland defender Olivia McStay headed over the top from close range before fellow defender Jessica Husband let fly from 20 yards. Her powerful drive was just off target.
Northern Ireland keeper and skipper Abbie Smith comfortably saved an attempt from Scottish midfielder Sienna McGoldrick before McStay’s flick clipped the top of the crossbar.
Husband fired a free-kick well wide as the home side continued to enjoy the bulk of the possession.
However, throughout the half, Northern Ireland’s well-organised defence and midfield never really looked like wilting under the pressure.
Half-time: Scotland WU17s 0-0 Northern Ireland
Scotland continued to press after the break. Smith got down well to collect a dangerous looking cross from substitute Mae English which was aimed at centre forward Amy Sharkey and then the Northern Ireland keeper saved a rising effort from English.
On 73 minutes, Husband weaved her way into the area and teed up Scotland substitute Oluwadara Ositelu whose snapshot was superbly pushed away by Smith.
The home side then had chances through Sophie Black and Husband but the visitors held firm.
Smith easily smothered a free-kick from Orla Burn, however on 88 minutes Burn picked up the ball from an over-hit Husband corner just inside the area, took a touch and curled it into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.
It was a great finish but it was also a real sucker punch for Northern Ireland after they had defended superbly throughout the game.
Right at the end Smith produced another great save to keep out a fine effort from Scottish substitute Keira Syrjanen.
The final game in A4 for the WU17s is against Iceland at Falkirk Stadium on Monday (7 October), with a 3pm kick-off.
They will likely have to win that one to stay in League A for phase two of the qualifieScotland: Braelynn Galt, Ava Crawford, Sienna McGoldrick, Jessica Husband, Lily Boyce (captain), Olivia McStay, Abby Hayes, Orla Burn, Amy Sharkey, Mia Selbie, Sophie Black. Substitutes: (used) Mae English, Neve McDonald, Oluwadara Ositelu, Keira Syrjanen, Kate Fraser; (unused) Rowena Armitage (GK), Darra Dawson, Alba Stewart, Izzy Young.
Northern Ireland: Abbie Smith (captain), Niamh Hassan, Sophie Pollock, Chloe Beckinsale, Sophie Hutchinson, Lillie Horner, Lucy Kelly, Charlotte Havern, Ava Hurl, Mirjana Karrabecaj, Olivia Campbell. Substitutes: (used) Mia Reilly, Anna Walsh, Ruby Adair, Caitie McGurnaghan; (unused) Zara Maguire (GK), Caitlin Carlisle, Jessica McGuinness, Ellen McDermott, Tara Kerr.
