NORTHERN Ireland’s Women’s Under-15s were defeated 6-1 by a strong Hungary WU15s side in a UEFA WU15 Development tournament in Bulgaria.
Head coach Stephen Graham chose a 20-strong squad for the four-team tournament, which features Hungary, Romania and hosts Bulgaria.
Northern Ireland’s first game, against Romania on Sunday, was abandoned at half-time due to thunder and lightning. That game will be completed on Thursday (October 3), while Northern Ireland will face the Bulgarians in their final game in the tournament the following day.
Northern Ireland were pinned back from the start as keeper Bella McDaid produced a fine stop before captain Grace Murray steered a free-kick inches wide of the post.
Grace Pinkerton also had an effort on goal on 15 minutes before Hungary opened the scoring. And the Hungarians doubled their lead in the 20th minute through a long range effort.
Northern Ireland defender Anayah Lee made a goal-line clearance before Hungary struck again on 34 minutes.
However, Northern Ireland pulled one back a minute later when Anna Smyth’s fine pass found Annabelle Shaw and she raced clear of the Hungarian defence before hammering the ball into the top corner.
It was a lovely finish.Just before the break Hungary made it 4-1 at the break with another strike that flew into the top corner.
Hungary continued to push forward after the restart and they scored twice to extend their lead further.
Northern Ireland, however, played much better in the second half, although they could not convert their chances.
Substitute Ellie Tohill was unlucky not to get a shot away after a powerful run into the area, while fellow subs Abigail Curley and Charley McMullan both had efforts which went just wide.
In the closing stages the Hungary keeper kept out a shot from another sub, Kacylee Mitchell, after she was teed up by McMullan. And then McMullan stung the palms of the keeper with a well-struck free-kick.
The final score was harsh on the Northern Ireland team.
Northern Ireland: Bella McDaid, Anayah Lee, Indie McQuillan, Autumn Edgar, Anna Smyth, Grace Murray (captain), Alexandra McKinnon, Annarose Robinson, Grace Pinkerton, Annabelle Shaw, Caitlin Shields. Substitutes: (used) Mea Foster, Ellie Tohill, Grace Steele, Abigail Curley, Kacylee Mitchell, Niamh McDaid, Charley McMullan, Lacey Mai McVicker; (unused) Anna Roberts (GK).
