Ireland scored an injury-time equaliser through Seana Cooke to earn a 1-1 draw against Finland at the Lohija Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
The Raheny United player scored from the penalty spot after Michelle Glynn was fouled inside the box as she broke free on goal.
Finland took the lead after 18 minutes and were the dominant side until the half-time interval. Ireland changed their system around at the start of the second half and the readjustment seemed to galvanise them during the final 45 minutes.
Hannah Barrett had a good chance to level the game up for Ireland but her header clipped the crossbar and the home ‘keeper did well to save a 35-yard shot from Cooke that was heading towards the top corner.
Ireland got the opportunity to equalise with the last kick of the game and manager Sue Ronan felt her side deserved at least a draw.
“Finland were physically stronger than us but we improved in the second half and created enough chances to win the game.”
“I’ve been delighted with the progress of the squad this week. We’re building towards the European qualifying campaign and it was evident that the players benefited from the four days together here in Finland.”
Ireland also drew the first game against Finland 1-1 on Tuesday.
The Republic are preparing for the UEFA first qualifying phase, to be played later this month. Ireland are in Group Ten, alongside Bulgaria, Italy and Slovakia with the top two nations advancing to next year's Elite phase.
Republic of Ireland:
Lyn Dowling (Raheny FC)
Seana Cooke (Raheny FC)
Catriona McGilp (Cabinteely)
Susan Hackett (Stella Maris)
Grace Murray (Dundalk City WFC)
Jennifer Critchley (Lifford)
Amy Curley (Raheny United)
Christina Byrne (Raheny)
Lyn-Marie Grant (Lifford)
Noelle Murray (St. Anthony’s)
Stephanie Roche (Stella Maris)
Substitutes
Rachael Graham and Hannah Barrett (Fulham WFC) for Roche and Curley (Half-time).
Michelle Glynn (Mervue) for Murray (60 mins)
Emma Hayes (Fulham WFC) for Grant (85). |
