France 2-0 Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland Under-17 Women’s team came up against one of the favourites for the inaugural UEFA Championship title today when they met Elite stage mini-group hosts France in Perpignan.
Ireland were still reeling from their narrow 1-0 defeat to Scotland in their opening group fixture on Tuesday and needed a result against the French, who enjoyed a 2-0 success over Norway in their first game, to remain in contention.
Only the team which finishes first in the group qualifies for the first-ever European Championships at this age-group for Women, to be staged in Nyon, Switzerland.
Irish Manager Noel King is continuously building for the future and, in that context, was thrilled to have three players aged 14 in his starting team.
One of those, Tanya Kennedy, spurned a glorious chance to forge Ireland ahead on the stroke of half-time when she angled her close-range header wide of the post following Emily Hanney’s expertly delivered free-kick.
Amy Ryan was also unlucky not to score when her fierce shot smacked off the crossbar.
Ireland were to rue those misses as France hit the front midway through the second half, Pauline Crammer heading to the net past goalkeeper Niamh Reid-Burke (left).
King’s side went in pursuit of an equaliser during the latter stages but were hit by a second goal in the dying seconds through Solène Barbance’s long-range strike.
After the match, King said: “It was a much improved performance by the Girls from our last game against Scotland and gives us huge encouragement for the future.
“The players did themselves justice today against a French team who harbour realistic ambitions of winning the group and the competition outright.
“It was evident by the extent of their celebrations after scoring the first goal that they knew we were easily capable of drawing with them.”
He added: “We’re still disappointed to lose the game but we’ll be going out to get the result on Sunday against Norway to clinch third place in the group. That would secure us a place amongst the twelve top nations in Europe at this age-level.”
Republic of Ireland:
Niamh Reid Burke – Raheny
Anna McCormack - Cam Celtic
Megan Campbell – Moneymore
Emer Flatley - Salthill Devon
Emily Hanney - Stella Maris
Karen Duggan – Piltown
Tanya Kennedy - Finn Valley
Dora Gorman - Salthill Devon
Amy Ryan - Stella Maris
Julie Ann Russell - Salthill Devon
Maria Harrington - Westport United
Substitutions:
Gillian McDonnell - Dundalk City WFC for Russell (60 mins)
Eilish Ward - Finn Valley for O’Gorman (65 mins)
Zoe Doherty – Carndonagh for Harrington (70 mins)
Fixtures
Tuesday, 18th March
Scotland 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Stadium Jean Laffon of PERPIGNAN
Kick-off: 4.00pm
Thursday, 20th March
France 2-0 Republic of Ireland
Stadium Jean Laffon of PERPIGNAN
Kick-off: 4.00pm (local time)
Sunday 23rd March
Republic of Ireland v Norway
Stadium Jean Laffon of PERPIGNAN
Kick-off: 3.00pm (local time). |
