Scotland 0 Republic of Ireland 2
MEGAN Connolly maintained her remarkable goal-scoring record for the Republic of Ireland Women's U17 side as they beat Scotland 2-0 in a friendly at Ainslie Park, Edinburgh, tonight.
Connolly's first half brace took her tally to 15 goals in 13 games at this level as the Irish beat a Scottish side that reached the UEFA finals at this level.
Dave Connell's side took the lead when Connolly raced onto a long delivery by goalkeeper Brooke Dunne, outstripped the home defence and slotted home clinically.
College Corinthians striker Connolly's second goal came after excellent build up play down the left. Hayley Nolan found debut girl Niamh Prior on the flank and she delivered a great first time ball for Connolly to head over the advancing Scottish keeper.
"It was a very good performance. Even though we scored our goals in the first half we also played very well in the second half," said Connell.
"We were rock solid again in defence. Brooke Dunne had only one save to make.
"It was very pleasing for the likes of Niamh Prior and Aislinn Meaney who both did well on their debuts. We also had a lot of players including Lucy McCarton, Jamie Finn, Sara McKevitt and Evelyn Daly who are eligible again next season.
"Overall I'm just pleased with a very good performance. Scotland's U17 team are strong. Our U17 girls are carrying on where the U19 girls produced last week. We'll look forward to the second game on Friday now."
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Brooke Dunne, Jamie Finn, Nicole Gordon, Keeva Keenan, Savannah McCarthy, Hayley Nolan, Evelyn Daly, Lucy McCarton, Sarah McKevitt, Megan Connolly, Niamh Prior.
Subs: Aislinn Meaney for McKevitt 53 mins; Sara Jane McDonald for Gordon 60; Eleanor Ryan Doyle for McCarton 66; Courtney Higgins for Prior 70; Emma Byrne for Daly 75.
FIXTURES
Wednesday, April 16
Women's U17 international friendly
Scotland 0 Republic of Ireland 2, Ainslie Park.
Friday, April 18
Women's U17 international friendly
Scotland v Republic of Ireland, Ainslie Park (12.30pm) |
