NORTHERN Ireland lost out to Norway in their UEFA Women’s Under-17 Euro 2026 group game at Coleraine Showgrounds this evening.
The Norwegians scored two first half goals and another in the second half to register a 3-0 victory.
Northern Ireland WU17s boss Gail Redmond made just one change to the side that started the 2-0 defeat to England in Northern Ireland’s Group A opener.
Anna Rose Robinson replaced fellow attacker Maja Stachura.
Both teams huffed and puffed at the start. Norway, who lost to Germany in their first game, scored with their first attack on 10 minutes.
Mie Hoem surged down the right flank, drifting past a couple of defenders, and her low cross found fellow attacker Davis Lundhaug who swept it home.
Northern Ireland keeper Ifeoma Agoha got a hand to it but could not keep it out.
Northern Ireland had their first chance just minutes later when Anna Rose Robinson charged forward and fired a shot inches past the post. It was a fine effort.
Norway increased their lead on 19 minutes. Midfielder Live Balmforth delivered a corner into the six-yard area and captain Isa Lund powerfully headed the ball into the back of the net.
In the 27th minute Balmforth fired an effort over the top. And then a curler from striker Emilie Strand Blindheim drifted wide.
Agoha showed some good handling as Norway continued to push and fired crosses into the danger zone.
Northern Ireland skipper Chloe Beckinsale produced an excellent block to divert an Agnes Stolan drive out for a corner.
Then, from the corner, Emilee Leacock was in the right place to clear a Stine Solemdal strike off the line.
On 43 minutes a looping Mirjana Karrabecaj pass found Sara Devany in the area. She initially scuffed the ball but then managed to get a shot away which was pushed out by Norway keeper Erla Braathen.
On the stroke of half-time Agoha got down well to smother a bouncing shot from Solemdal.
Just after the restart Charlotte Havern floated a lovely pass over the top of the Norwegian defence towards Leacock, however the Norwegian keeper was quick off her line to grab the ball before Leacock could get a shot away.
Agoha had to be on her toes again to push a low drive from Hoem around the post.On 63 minutes Beckinsale was in the right place to clear a Lundhaug shot off the line as Norway pressed.
Balmforth and Solemdal both had half-chances as Northern Ireland continued to defend resolutely.
Norway increased their lead on 78 minutes when Solemdal scored with a superb long range lob.
Norway full back Lina Morch ran from deep and let fly a couple of minutes later. Agoha dived full length to push away her shot.It was a brave effort from Northern Ireland, but Norway produced enough bits of quality to secure the victory.
Northern Ireland WU17s will play their final group game on Sunday (10 May). Their opponents at Inver Park in Larne will be Germany, who defeated England 1-0 earlier today to make it two wins out of two and book their place in the semi-finals.
That game kicks off at 3pm.Tickets for all the games at the WU17 Euros in Northern Ireland are available at irishfa.com/wu17euro.
Northern Ireland: Ifeoma Agoha, Daisy Moore, Holly Hilton, Sara Devany, Chloe Beckinsale (captain), Mirjana Karrabecaj, Emilee Leacock, Heidi Curran, Abbie Smyth, Charlotte Havern, Anna Rose Robinson.
Substitutes: (used) Zion Donnan, Sydney Wilson, Ava Hurl, Siun Kirby, Ellie McGarrigle; (unused) Sophie Glover (GK), Maja Stachura, Grace Steele.
Norway: Erla Braathen, Jenny Storsletten, Lina Morch, Isa Lund (captain), Agnes Stolan, Live Balmforth, Sofia Norebo, Stine Ariell Solemdal, Mie Hoem, Davis Lundhaug, Emilie Strand Blindheim.
Substitutes: (used) Selma Igesund Saga, Isabella Lepore, Vilda Riis Vinje, Maia Melgard, Elisa Berisha; (unused) Mille Viken (GK), Erle Odegaard, Hanne Nesse, Johanna Fedeler.
