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10.03.2020 at 15:00 Marabella Spain
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Attendance: |
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Ireland Under 19 |
2 - 4
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Russia
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Sinead Donovan (pen.) (81)
Kelly Brady (84)
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Tatiana Petrova 20 mins,
Anastasia Fetisova 44 mins
Anastasia Trenkina
Tatiana Petrova 78 mins |
A late fightback fell just short for the Republic of Ireland Women's Under-19s as they succumbed to a 4-2 loss to Russia in an international friendly in Marbella, Spain.
Two goals from substitutes Sinead Donovan and Kelly Brady rattled the Russians in the final period of the game, but it wasn't enough to get them back into it having already conceded four times.
Head Coach Dave Connell was fully aware of the threat that Russia posed and that is why they were selected for two friendlies to help Ireland prepare for their upcoming UEFA Elite Round qualifiers. Ireland won the first game, but Russia claimed this one.
Ireland actually started well and had their opponents pinned inside their own half for large periods. But a breakaway run from Tatiana Petrova was not stopped and she created enough space for herself to fire in the opener on 20 minutes.
Goalkeeper Maria O'Sullivan showed that she was fully alert when saving well from one shot, but she will be disappointed at her team's marking at a set-piece just before the interval when Anastasia Fetisova slotted in from close range.
By no means were Ireland out of this contest and substitute Isibeal Atkinson signalled their intent to get on the scoresheet when she rattled the woodwork with a rasping effort.
Less than 60 seconds after that chance, Russia added their third goal when Anastasia Trenkina unleashed a shot that took a wicked deflection and wrong-footed O'Sullivan.
On 78 minutes, Russia went 4-0 up when Petrova profited from a deflected shot. It was cruel luck for Ireland, who were battling hard to get back into the game.
A bit of fortune did fall their way on 81 minutes when Brady was fouled inside the penalty area and Donovan stepped up to convert the spot kick.
Three minutes later the same two players combined again, this time it was Donovan who provided the assist as she slid a pass into Brady to fire the ball into the back of the net.
It was a spirited performance overall by Ireland and their late rally showed the character of the players, which will encourage Connell as he turns his focus to the Elite Round games in Czech Republic.
Russia: Azhel; Kulinch, Pleshkova, Fetisova, Govor; Trenkina, Kozik, Belousova, Komisarova, Petrova; Lazareva.
Republic of Ireland: O'Sullivan; Foley, Slattery (McGovern 56), Shine (Fuggle 46), O'Mahony (Bucci 46); Reynolds, Mackey, Lobato (Donovan 56); Cooke, McEvoy (Atkinson 46), Kingsley (Brady 56). |
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