Republic of Ireland 2 Italy 1
The Republic of Ireland Women's Under-17 side came from a goal behind to beat Italy today in Dublin in their final game before next month's UEFA Championship first qualifying phase.
Two days after losing narrowly to the Italians, Noel King's side were tested again at the Oscar Traynor Road Development Centre as they conceded an early goal but a courageous fightback culminated in an injury-time winner by substitute Rianna Jarrett.
Ireland will vie with Denmark, Turkey and Slovenia from October 10-15 for the one automatic place into the Elite phase of the European Championships and on the evidence of this performance, they will be full of confidence.
Italy hit the front early on in what can only be described as fortuitous circumstance when Luisa Puganli's cross-shot deceived Eilish McManus in the Ireland goal.
Stung by that set-back, Ireland regrouped and deservedly went into the break on terms as Niamh McLaughlin rounded off a terrific passing move with an unstoppable drive past the visitors' goalkeeper.
Chances were created by both sides after the break. Italy's Puganli clipped the top of the crossbar with a shot and substitute keeper, Emer Cassidy dealt with Elena Linari's close effort magnificently.
Ireland, meanwhile, had opportunities through McLaughlin and Zoe Boyd but they wrapped up the victory late on through a combination by two substitutes.
Aileen Gilroy raided down the right channel and her inch-perfect centre was tapped home by the onrushing Rianna Jarrett.
Republic of Ireland: Eilish McManus, Kerry Glynn, Zoe Boyd, Megan Campbell, Jessica Gleeson, Ciara O'Brien, Ciara Grant, Lois Roche, Dora Gorman (C), Denise O'Sullivan, Niamh McLaughlin.
Substitutes: Siobhan Killeen, Aileen Gilroy, Stacey Donnelly, Avril Kilkelly, Emer Cassidy (GK), Erica Cahill, Nicole Owens, Rianna Jarrett, Laura Gormley, Rebecca Kearney. |
