Republic of Ireland 1-2 Poland
The Republic of Ireland Women's Under-17 narrowly lost the first part of the double-friendly against Poland today at the Oscar Traynor Road Development Centre. Aleksanadra Sikora scored a goal in each half to claim victory for the visitors while Ireland's strike came from Amy Ryan.
Sikora opened the scoring with only three minutes gone before Ryan stuck Ireland's equaliser shortly after the interval.
However, Sikora was to be the difference between the nations as she tucked away her second goal on 53 minutes to seal victory.
Ireland will also meet their Poland counterparts this Sunday, February 24th at the same venue at 12pm.
The Irish are building towards the second qualification stage of the UEFA Championships which will take place in Perpignan, France from March 18-23.
Ireland begin their Elite segment by facing Scotland on March 18 before they meet mini-group hosts France on March 20. They complete the series with a tie against Norway on March 23.
The Irish progressed into the Elite qualifying phase of the first-ever UEFA Women’s Championship at this age-group after they were narrowly beaten by Sweden in a quadrangular qualifying tournament in Antalya, Turkey played last October.
Following successive 5-0 victories over mini-group hosts Turkey and Moldova, Ireland required a draw from their final group match against Sweden to clinch top spot in the group.
The Swedes, however, proceeded automatically from the pool as winners with a maximum nine points following this win over Ireland which they were made work hard for.
Ireland qualified as a best second-placed team and are one of 16 nations competing in the Elite phase. Only the first-placed team in each mini-tournament will qualify for the Finals in May.
In addition, the top three teams from the European Championships advance to the inaugural FIFA U-17 World Cup Finals in New Zealand.
The Irish management staff of manager Noel King, assistant Johnny Morris-Burke and coach Sharon Boyle consider these pair of matches against Poland as key preparation for next month’s qualifiers.
Republic of Ireland team: Niamh Reid-Burke - Raheny United Anna McCormack - Cam Celtic Emer Flatley - Salthill Devon Tanya Kennedy – Finn Valley Emily Hanney - Stella Maris Karen Duggan - Piltown Lucy Hannon - Salthill Devon Eilish Ward - Finn Valley Amy Ryan - Stella Maris Gillian McDonnell - Dundalk City WFC Zoe Doherty - Carndonagh
Substitutes: Rebecca Walsh - Salthill Devon Yvonne Cahill - Lakewood Athletic Megan Campbell - Moneymore Maria Delahunty - Benfica Ciara Grant - Lagan Harps Sinead Crotty – Connecticut United
Women’s Under-17 Friendly Internationals:
Today Republic of Ireland 1-2 Poland. Oscar Traynor Road Development Centre, Oscar Traynor Road, Coolock, Dublin 17 (2.30pm).
Sunday, February 24 Republic of Ireland v Poland. Oscar Traynor Road Development Centre, Oscar Traynor Road, Coolock, Dublin 17 (12pm). |