Northern Ireland WU17s 1-2 Republic of Ireland WU17s
Scorers: Northern Ireland: Abbie Smyth
Republic of Ireland: Ellen Goggin, Kassie McLoughlin
NI Women’s U17 boss Gail Redmond hailed a ‘solid performance’ by her team in this friendly defeat by the Republic at Inver Park.
Afterwards Redmond said: “I am very pleased with how this week has gone. It was another solid performance. We have created very good foundations to build on in the coming months.”
This was the second of two friendlies for the Under-17s this month as preparations for WU17 Euro 2026 continue. The Irish Football Association is set to host the UEFA Women’s Under-17 European Championship from May 3-16 next year.
In game one they lost 5-0 to a strong French team in France – and Gail Redmond made four changes to the team that started against the French.
In came goalkeeper Sophie Glover, defender Anayah Lee, midfielder Grace Campbell and striker Annarose Robinson.
Dropping to the bench were keeper Ifeoma Agoha, defender Holly Hilton, midfielder Emilee Leacock and striker Maja Stachura.
Both teams started brightly. Northern Ireland had the first chance of the game when Annarose Robinson got on the end of a Mirjana Karrabecaj delivery from a free-kick and produced a solid header which was well saved by Republic keeper Ava Hallinan.
Two minutes later Northern Ireland keeper Sophie Glover produced a good stop to keep out a drive from Republic captain Madison McGuane.
The visitors took the lead on 11 minutes. Attacker Ellen Goggin latched on to a ball over the top and steered the ball home from close range.
Northern Ireland equalised in the 25th minute. Charlotte Havern’s precise pass found captain Abbie Smyth and she slotted the ball into the net.
Five minutes later Robinson pulled the ball back to Smyth and her shot went inches over the bar.
Half-time: Northern Ireland WU17s 1-1 Republic of Ireland WU17s
Both teams enjoyed good periods of possession after the restart. Karrabecaj, Ellie McGarrigle, substitute Holly Hilton and Daisy Moore produced some resolute defensive work when the Republic threatened.
On 68 minutes the Republic went close with a strike from a free-kick, while a minute later Havern sent substitute Emilee Leacock clear with a fine through ball. Leacock controlled the ball well but could not get a shot away.
The Republic scored what proved to be the winner on 77 minutes. Substitute Kassie McLoughlin got on the end of a free-kick at the back post and tucked the ball home.
In the 84th minute Havern’s shot from the edge of the penalty area drifted just off target.
Full-time: Northern Ireland WU17s 1-2 Republic of Ireland WU17s
Northern Ireland: Sophie Glover, Daisy Moore, Sara Devany, Ellie McGarrigle, Anayah Lee, Heidi Curran, Mirjana Karrabecaj, Charlotte Havern, Annarose Robinson, Grace Campbell, Abbie Smyth (captain). Subs: Ifeoma Agoha (GK), Holly Hilton, Chloe Beckinsale, Maja Stachura, Emilee Leacock, Ella Wasson, Grace Steele, Charley McMullan, Ava Hurl, Zion Donnan.
Republic of Ireland: Ava Hallinan, Holly O’Hagan, Sophie Clarke, Lucy Doyle Farrington, Abbie Duffy, Caoimhe O’Brien, Alice Buggle, Madison McGuane (captain), Ciara Milton, Ellen Goggin, Alex Devoy. Subs: Sarah Doyle (GK), Emma Mooney, Sophie Byrne, Hailey Twomey, Kassie McLoughlin, Lara Dallaghan, Mia Gaff.
