Women’s Under-19 Friendly International
Republic of Ireland 8 - 0 Iceland
The Republic of Ireland Under-19 Women’s team responded to Friday’s 1-0 defeat to Iceland in astounding fashion today by recording a comprehensive win in the rematch at Home Farm FC in Whitehall, Dublin.
Amy Ryan scored a hat-trick for Ireland, Lynn-Marie Grant netted twice while Julie-Ann Russell, Aine O’Gorman and Amanda Parkes were also on-target
Iceland secured victory in the first game through a first-half penalty from Gunnlaugsdottir. Sue Ronan was pleased with her team’s performance but disappointed that they failed to capitalise on the amount of possession they enjoyed.
Ireland learnt from that defeat and showed a more clinical edge in front of goal. A good start to the game helped as they raced into the lead just five minutes in.
Noelle Murray and Amanda Parkes combined well to make the opening for Julie-Ann Russell and she stroked the ball home from inside the penalty area.
Amy Ryan, who was making her first start at Under-19 level for Ireland, fired in the second goal shortly afterwards.
Senior International Aine O’Gorman seized on a loose kick-out to slot the ball into the net and Ryan made it 4-0 minutes later with another cool finish.
The Irish were in complete control at this stage and went further ahead on 30 minutes. Stephanie Roche set up the chance with a terrific cross and Amanda Parkes directed her header into the net.
Manager Sue Ronan had stressed the importance of set-pieces to her squad during pre-match training and Ireland scored two goals in such situations in the second half.
Lynn-Marie Grant finished off the moves on both occasions, eluding her marker in the penalty area and sticking away the chances. In between Grant’s two strikes, Amy Ryan collected her hat-trick goal.
Ireland Women's Under-19 side are in the process of preparing to participate in the UEFA Elite Qualifying Phase which takes place in Madrid, Spain from the 24th-29th April.
Manager Sue Ronan was thrilled with her team’s display.
She said: “This performance and result is a big confidence booster ahead of the qualifiers. We knew that we should have got something out of the first match against Iceland but, today, we made up for that by putting away the chances.
“The Girls showed plenty of mental strength to get Friday’s defeat out of their system so quickly and they were excellent today. Iceland won their UEFA qualifying group and are no pushovers."
She added: "We have another double-friendly arranged for two weeks time when we play Russia in Dublin. That will be an extra benefit for the team before we head for Madrid for the Elite qualifying phase.”
Republic of Ireland: Lynn Bradley (Raheny United), Anna McCormack (Cam Celtic), Grace Murray (Dundalk City), Lynn-Marie Grant (Lifford), Karen Duggen (Piltown), Julie-Anne Russell (Salthill Devon), Noelle Murray (Raheny United), Amanda Parkes (Wilton United), Stephanie Roche (Dundalk City), Amy Ryan (Stella Maris), Aine O’Gorman (Stella Marris),
Substitutions: Niamh Reid-Burke (Raheny United) for Bradley and Gillian McDonnell (Dundalk United) for Russell (both h/t), Eilish Ward (Finn Valley) for Roche (60 mins), Lucy Hannon (Salthill Devon) for N. Murray (85 mins).
Referee: Hilda McDermott (Dublin). |
