Northern Ireland WU17s 2 Greece WU17s 1
GAIL Redmond’s Northern Ireland U17s emerged winners in the first of their friendlies double header against Greece at Dixon Park, Ballyclare with goals from Olivia Campbell (77’), Lucy Kelly (80’) after their opponents had gone ahead.
The games are preparation for competing in League A in the first stage of WU17 Euro 2025 qualifiers this autumn
The bulk of the 22-player squad were part of the Northern Ireland WU16 team which competed at SuperCupNI back in July. They reached the final of the Girls’ U16 (Premier) Cup where they were narrowly defeated by Manchester United.
Northern Ireland started the opening game strongly, enjoying plenty of possession in the early stages.
It was an entertaining encounter as both sides created opportunities, however there were few clearcut chances.
Greek attacker Maryam Melissanidis was a constant threat during the first half and the home defence had to be on their toes to keep her at bay.
In the Northern Ireland ranks defender Niamh Hassan put in a great shift as the first half ended scoreless.
After the break it was a much more open contest as both teams went in search of goals.
Greece defender Tzoana Rakipi was booked for tugging back Northern Ireland substitute Olivia Campbell as she raced towards goal.
Then, against the run of play, the Greeks took the lead through Christina Triantafyllopoulou.
Northern Ireland continued to press and they equalised on 77 minutes when a Lucy Kelly corner was converted by Campbell.
Just three minutes later the home side edged ahead when Kelly scored with a fine strike – and it proved to be the winner.
The teams are set to meet again at the same venue on Friday, September 6 at 3.00pm.
Full-time: Northern Ireland WU17s 2 Greece WU17s 1
Northern Ireland WU17s: Abbie Smith, Chloe Beckinsale, Sophie Hutchinson, Niamh Hassan, Sophie Pollock, Mirjana Karrabecaj, Charlotte Havern, Jessica McGuinness (captain), Lucy Kelly, Ava Hurl, Mia Reilly.
Substitutes: (used) Kayli-Ann Clayton, Olivia Campbell, Tara Kerr, Caitlin Carlisle, Lilly Jeffery, Natnicha Mills; (unused) Zara Maguire (GK), Caitie McGurnaghan, Lillie Horner, Ellen McDermott, Ruby Adair.
Greece WU17s: Argyri Asproudi, Anna Konstantinidou, Maryam Melissanidis, Tzoana Rakipi, Maria Gkizari, Christina Triantafyllopoulou, Niki Malamousi, Margatita Mara, Ioli Stavropoulou, Georgia Moschona, Griselda Tselaorcelakriselntaor.
Substitutes: Dimitra Teneketzi, Olga Iakovidou, Stavroula Ntorli, Georgia Vlachonikoli, Anastasia Eirini Askaridou, Myrto Kolempa, Viktoria Krystalli, Caolan Boyd-Munce has two capsMyrto Styliani Axiarli, Valeria Koutsouri, Apostolia Bartzou, Christina Kyranoudi, Drosoula Lampropoulou, Ioanna Bataoula.
