Irish goals see off Scots
The Republic of Ireland schools got their girls international programme off to a flying start with a 2-1 win over Scotland at the Ballymena International under 15 tournament in Northern Ireland.
The Irish started nervously In their first ever outing in international football, allowing Scotland to control the early exchanges.
However, they soon settled into their stride and gradually began to take control of the midfield.
The stiff breeze favoured the Scots who employed the ball over the top but Danielle Byrne and Amy O Keeffe were never troubled.
A goal just before half time was the perfect tonic and it came courtesy of Julianne Herrity. A good ball forward from Anna Mullen was misjudged by the centre half and Herrity pounced to loop the ball over the keeper.
The second half brought little change in the Scottish play and Ireland were never troubled.
The second goal came on 53 minutes and was a carbon copy of the first. This time it was Sarah Lawlor who reacted to the ball from Laura Dunne and she fearlessly got the touch ahead of the advancing keeper.
The Scots did get a goal back at the death when Julie Myles got past her marker and fired low beyond Jennifer Cooke.
The Republic will play Northern Ireland in the deciding game on Saturday morning.
Rep of Ireland: J Cooke, L Fahy (L Tuohy 55’), L O Brien, D Byrne, A O Keeffe, A Mullen (Y McGonagle 50’), A O Reilly (C McCallion 62’), S Campbell, L Dunne S Donovan 64’), J Herrity( S McGrath 40’), S Lawlor.
Subs not used: A Concannon, A Egan
Scotland: F. McNichol, N Deans, F Urquart, L Boyd, C Fraser (T Kerr 58’), K McLaughlin, L McRoberts (E Fernon 51’), J Paterson, L Robertson, C Dalgleish, S Hare (J Myles 46’)
Subs not used: A Quinn, K Ralton, E Thatcher, W Toon.
