Friendly
02.02.2008 at 17:30 - Baldonnell
Women’s Senior International Friendly
Saturday, February 2nd
Republic of Ireland v Holland
John Hyland Park, Baldonnel (3pm)
Republic of Ireland Women’s team manager Noel King has stayed true to his promise of making changes to his team by bringing in five new players to the side that face Poland today in Baldonnel (3pm).
Ireland were unlucky not to defeat the Netherlands Sunday in a game that finished scoreless. That was the first of three friendly matches designed as build-up for the crucial UEFA Championship qualifier against Italy in Sardinia on February 16.
Ireland will complete their trio of warm-up matches next Thursday, February 7, against UEFA Champions League holders Arsenal at Dalymount Park (kick-off 7.30pm).
The changes to the Irish team from that side which drew with the Dutch are Meabh De Burcha (Salthill Devon), Alisha Moran (NY Athletic Club), Noelle Murray (Raheny United), Aine O’Gorman (Stella Maris) and Olivia O’Toole (Raheny United).
King is in the process of assessing his players as he aims to find the best team available for the Italian test in two weeks time.
“Poland are a higher seed than us in the European rankings and will provide a good test for our players,” said King, who is also looking forward to seeing how defender Niamh Fahey performs in midfield today.
“These three friendly matches are hugely important in terms of preparation for the UEFA qualifier against Italy next month.”
Ireland have fared well in their UEFA qualifying campaign so far. With three victories claimed from their opening four fixtures, the Irish share the leadership of Group 2 with Sweden and Italy on nine points.
Republic of Ireland team v Poland:
Emma Byrne - Arsenal FC
Meabh De Burcha - Salthill Devon
Sharon Boyle - Raheny United
Alisha Moran – NY Athletic Club
Yvonne Tracy - Arsenal FC
Noelle Murray - Raheny United
Ciara Grant - Arsenal FC
Niamh Fahy - Salthill Devon
Aine O Gorman - Stella Maris
Stefanie Curtis - Bristol Academy
Olivia O’Toole - Raheny United
Substitutes:
Lynn Marie Grant - Lifford
Michele O’Brien - Watford Ladies FC
Emma Griffin - Benfica
Lynn Bradley - Raheny United
Louise Quinn – Peamount United.
Women’s Senior International Friendly
Saturday, February 2nd
Republic of Ireland v Poland
John Hyland Park, Baldonnel (3pm)
The Republic of Ireland Women’s team manager Noel King will make at least five changes to the team that drew nil-all against the Netherlands last weekend for this Saturday’s meeting with Poland.
Ireland have embarked on three friendly matches in quick succession as preparation for the upcoming UEFA Championship qualifying tie against Italy in Sardinia on February 16. They will host UEFA Cup holders Arsenal at Dalymount Park next Thursday, February 7 (kick-off 7.30pm) in the last of the three-game series.
The Irish produced an encouraging performance in their tussle with the Dutch last Sunday at Frank Cooke Park in a match which ended goalless.
King will be without three players from that game – Kate Taylor, Marie Curtin and Edel Malone – but has added Alisha Moran of the New York Athletic club to the panel.
American-born Moran will strengthen the defensive options available to King. She won the eircom/FAI Women’s senior player of the Year award in 2006.
The only fitness concern for King to contend with ahead of the Poland test is midfielder Sonya Hughes, who will be assessed today before the starting team is named.
King said: “These training games are very important to us in the context of the UEFA qualifier against Italy next month.
“I learned a lot from the display of the team against the Netherlands last Sunday and this match is another chance to give the players some game time.
“We will freshen things up by introducing in a number of players for the Poland game. Some of our younger members in the squad have impressed greatly over recent months and I am looking forward to seeing how they perform in the upcoming matches against the Polish and then Arsenal next week.”
Ireland’s UEFA qualifying campaign has got off to a positive start. By winning three of their opening four fixtures, the Irish share the leadership of Group 2 with Sweden and Italy on nine points.
Republic of Ireland Women's Squad:
Emma Byrne - Arsenal FC
Niamh Fahy - Salthill Devon
Sharon Boyle - Raheny United
Alisha Moran – NY Athletic Club
Ciara Grant - Arsenal FC
Sonya Hughes - Tolka Rovers
Stefanie Curtis - Bristol Academy
Aine O Gorman - Stella Maris
Lynn Marie Grant - Lifford
Olivia O Toole - Raheny United
Michele O Brien - Watford Ladies FC
Meabh De Burcha - Salthill Devon
Emma Griffin - Benfica
Yvonne Tracy - Arsenal FC
Noelle Murray - Raheny United
Lynn Bradley - Raheny United.
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