NORTHERN Ireland Women’s Under-19s, playing for much of the game with only 10 players, were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Belgium in a Euro qualifier
Manager Gail Redmond made two changes to her starting 11 for the team’s second game in stage one of the qualifiers for the 2024-25 edition of the UEFA Women’s U19 European Championship.
Sophie Gargan and Darcie McNeill came in for Clodagh Maguire and Gracie Conway.
Northern Ireland were aiming to bounce back after losing out to hosts Spain in their League A Group 6 opener.
But Belgium pressed from the start and took the lead in the fourth minute through striker Jolien Verhoeven.
On 12 minutes Northern Ireland midfielder Darcie McNeill received a yellow card for a foul on Belgium captain Lena Hubaut and 10 minutes later McNeill was sent off after receiving another yellow for fouling Belgian attacker Aurelie Reynders.
Prior to that Northern Ireland keeper Kate Smith saved a shot from Belgian right back Pia Bosmans and, after the dismissal, Smith kept out a Verhoeven effort.
Attacker Lola Vanluyten spurned a couple of opportunities before Northern Ireland levelled in added time through Faye Loughran, who guided the ball into the net after getting on the end of a Niamh Boothroyd free-kick.
Half-time: Belgium WU19s 1-1 Northern Ireland WU19s
Belgium grabbed the lead again just two minutes into the second half when Verhoeven netted her second goal of the game.
After that Smith repelled midfielder Romy Wenning before Reynders steered an effort wide and had another shot blocked.
Northern Ireland’s defence and midfield worked tirelessly to keep the Belgians at bay, however they struggled to create chances.
Belgium substitute Romane Jadoulle missed the target before another sub, Fleur Heyman, had an effort blocked, and that was the last meaningful action of the game.
Northern Ireland’s third and final group match is against Iceland, who drew with Belgium in their first game and lost 3-0 to the Spanish in their second match.
It is due to be played at the Pinatar Arena Football Centre in Murcia on Tuesday (December 3, 11am kick-off UK time).
Redmond’s side must win if they are to avoid relegation to League B for round two of the qualifiers next year.
There are seven groups in League A. Sides finishing fourth are relegated to League B for round two of the qualifiers, with the other positions deciding League A seeding for the second round.
The seven group winners in League A round two will join hosts Poland in the 2025 finals next summer.
Full-time: Belgium WU19s 2-1 Northern Ireland WU19s
Belgium: Louise Vervoort, Pia Bosmans, Chionne Bonny, Axelle Van Besauw, Flo Hermans, Lena Hubaut (captain), Aurelie Reynders, Romy Wenning, Jolien Verhoeven, Lise Bal, Lola Vanluyten.
Substitutes: (used) Beau Wispelaere, Romane Jadoulle, Fleur Heyman; (unused) Elise Bils (GK), Axelle Bamps, Oona Careel, Fienelotte Valcke, Megan Watson, Oliwia Loeman.
Northern Ireland: Kate Smith, Orleigha McGuinness, Sofie Keenan, Faye Loughran, Abi Sweetlove, Darcie McNeill, Rachel McIntyre, Niamh Boothroyd, Kascie Weir, Aimee Kerr (captain), Sophie Gargan.
Substitutes: (used) Niamh O’Donnell, Gracie Conway, Bernie Ferreira, Clodagh Maguire: (unused) Cerys Sharkey (GK), Sophie Kelly-Bradley, Rhianna Breen, Anastasija Stanyte, Ellen Hamilton
