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19.08.2007 at 15:00 Jackman Park, Limerick
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Attendance: |
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Ireland Under 19 |
2 - 0
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Poland
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Referee: Hilda McDermot |
Friendly-match |
Republic of Ireland 2 Poland 0
Stephanie Roche 27,55
The girls in green recorded a convincing 2-0 win over the Poles at Tolka Park on Friday evening and goals in either half from the impressive Stephanie Roche ensured that Ireland did the double in the Treaty City this afternoon.
Speaking after the match Irish manager Susan Ronan said she was delighted with the win and the performances of her side over the two games.
She said: "We had to change things around after Friday’s game and we probably didn't produce the same flowing football that we did at Tolka Park.
However, I am happy with the performances as we scored six goals in both games and conceded none and both results will give us a lot of confidence going into the UEFA Championships qualifiers next month."
Ireland almost got off to the perfect start in the 7th minute but Noelle Murray's cross from the left was cut out by Polish keeper Maegorzata Chwastek with Aine O'Gorman lurking inside the six yard box.
Amanda Parkes then headed a Roche cross over while at the other end Louis Quinn got the better of Symela Cisielska in an aerial duel following a searching cross from Katazyna Jacek.
Roche was again involved mid way through the half, linking with Grace Murray on the left but her shot was always rising as Ireland continued to dominate.
The hosts finally made the break through in the 27th minute courtesy of a composed close range finish from Roche.
Irish captain Jennifer Critchley began the move from the middle of the pitch, setting Parkes free down the right and her low cross was sidefooted home by the Stella Maris striker.
Poland's Natalia Chudzik fired two long range efforts narrowly over the bar just before the break as Ireland took their foot off the pedal.
But the home side quickly regained the initiative forcing three corners in quick succession before the ref blew from half time.
Poland had their first shot on the target just after the restart via Natalia Surmas cross from the left which was well dealt with by Irish keeper Niamh Reid-Burke.
But Ireland came within inches of doubling their advantage minutes later when defender Louis Quinn volleyed just wide followed by a dipping free kick from Murray on the left which was well saved by Chwastek at the foot of the near post.
Roche notched her second goal of the game in the 55th minute with a low drive from inside the box which gave Chwastek no chance.
Irish boss Susan Ronan moved Roche to centre forward on the hour mark with Aine O'Gorman moving out to the left wing and the switch almost paid dividends when both players combined inside the area only for O'Gorman to drive narrowly over the bar in the 70th minute.
However, Poland almost pulled one back ten minutes from time when Symela Ciesielska side stepped a challenge inside the box before blasting inches over the bar and with three minutes remaining the same player fired into the side netting following a mix up in the Irish defence.
The Poles probably deserved a goal for their efforts particularly in the second half. However, Ireland dominated vast periods of this match and were full value for the win.
Irish skipper Jennifer Critchley was presented with a special commemorative trophy by the Chairman of the Irish and Polish Cultural and Business Association, Mr Tim Madden after the game. Both sides were also presented with medals to mark the occasion.
Republic of Ireland: Niamh Reid-Burke, Lynn-Marie Grant, Grace Murray (Anne Moran 84) Niamh Mulcahy, Louis Quinn,Karen Duggan (Kara Mullins 50) Jennifer Critchley, Amanda Parkes (Patrice Kearney h/t) Aine O'Gorman, Noelle Murray, Stephanie Roche.
Poland: Maegorzata Chwastek, Dominika Machnacka Kinga Bandych 86) Nastasza Gornicka, Katazyna Zak, Natalia Chudzik, Katazyna Soltys, (Natalia Surma 18) Katazyna Daleszczyk (Beata Janicka 58) Katazyna Jacek, Katazyna Barlewicz, Symela Ciesielska, Ann Krolikowska.
Match Officials: Hilda McDermot, Aisling Looney, Paula Brady, Celine McGowan. |
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