UEFA U19 women's championship first phase qualifiers
Republic of Ireland 5-0 Cyprus
Rosie Maguire 12
Michelle O'Reilly 13, 57, 61, 88,
The Republic of Ireland women's Under-19 got their quest for qualification into the UEFA elite phase off to a flyer on Saturday by putting five past Cyprus in Osijek, Croatia.
Rosie Maguire set the Irish on their way after 12 minutes but it was Michelle O'Reilly who stole the show by claming a four goal haul in this campaign opener.
The win puts Ireland in command of group 11 ahead on goal difference of Russia who defeated mini-group hosts Croatia in the other group game played. Another three points for Ireland against Croatia in Monday's second game will guarantee Ireland's progression into the next round with the final game against Russia to spare.
Sue Ronan's Ireland side defied the bumpy pitch to produce a display full of stylish passing and plenty of pace.
Their early pressure was rewarded on 12 minutes when Stephanie Murphy broke down the flank and crossed fro Maguire to head in the opener.
Less than sixty seconds later, the girls in green doubled their lead again from a header but O'Brien supplying the finish.
Cyprus enjoyed their best spell of possession in the lead-up to the break yet Sarah Devlin in the Irish goal had nothing to deal with by way of scoring chances.
Normal service was resumed after the interval with Ireland dominant and creating an abundance of chances.
Twice in four minutes, O'Brien pierced the Cypriot defence to collect a hat-trick, her second a tap-in from a well-worked corner.
It was 5-0 two minutes from time as substitute Avril Kilkelly worked the opening by delivering a cross for O'Brien to stoop low and head her fourth of the day.
Ronan said afterwards: "It was a good win and the start to the group we wanted. Given the number of regulars unavailable to us due to the Under-17 World Cup, it was tremendous that the girls who came in really stepped up to the mark.
"Michelle O'Reilly is one of only four players with previous experience at this level and she took her four goals well.
"In truth, we could have scored double the amount of goals but the main thing was the win and we can concentrate on Monday's game against Croatia."
Republic of Ireland: Sarah Devlin (St. Joseph's), Becky Walsh (Salthill Devon), Bronagh Kerins (Sligo Rovers), Olivia Smart (Raheny Utd), Kate Flood (Dundalk), Stephanie Murphy (Ballincollig), Shauna Chambers (Watford), Lois Roche (Arsenal), Nicole Cronin (Aisling Annacotty), Michelle O'Reilly (St. Francis), Rosie Maguire (Kilmore),
Subs: Avril Kilkelly (Castlebar Celtic) for S. Chambers (h/t), Shauna Eccles (O'Devanney) for Murphy (59 mins), Laura Chambers (Kilmore) for Smartt (73 mins).
UEFA Women's U19 UEFA Championship qualifiers - 1st phase
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Republic of Ireland 5-0 Cyprus
Stadium: Gradski vrt, Osijek (CRO)
Monday, September 13, 2010
Republic of Ireland - Croatia
Stadium: Gradski vrt, Osijek (CRO)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Russia - Republic of Ireland
Stadium: Gradski vrt, Osijek (CRO). |
