The Republic of Ireland Women’s Under 19 side claimed an impressive 3-0 win over the Czech Republic in Barcelona this afternoon.
A first half strike from new Shelbourne Ladies signing Niamh Prior, was followed up after the interval by two goals in three minutes.
Substitute Tiegan Ruddy was on hand to double the Girls in Green’s lead in the 52nd minute when Jamie Finn crossed an inviting ball into the area where Ruddy got to the front post first to flick the ball into the top corner.
That was followed up moments later as Cork City WFC’s Saoirse Noonan got on the end of Tiegan Ruddy’s free-kick to put Dave Connell’s side in command.
An impressive win for the Irish and with every member of the squad receiving game-time this afternoon, Head Coach Dave Connell was happy with how the week has started.
‘We’re delighted with the win. Czech Republic came through their Qualifying Round top of the group and are a very good side,’ Connell said.
‘We performed very well. This group of girls is battle-hardened, and over the 90 minutes I thought we were well in control. To score three goals was particularly pleasing and we’ll look to build on this performance again on Friday.
‘We are under no illusions though. The Czech Republic bring a different game to what we face in qualifying. They are very physical and technically sound, so it will be another good test for us.’
The Women’s Under 19 side are back in action against the Czech Republic on Friday afternoon, in what will be the final game before April’s Elite Phase.
Republic of Ireland: Nadine Maher (GK) (Naoisha McAloon (GK) HT), Lucy McCartan (Fiona Donnelly 62’), Jess Nolan (Dearbhaile Beirne), Niamh Farrelly, Chloe Moloney, Alex Kavanagh (Sophie Watters 62’), Saoirse Noonan (Heather Payne 68’), Eleanor Ryan Doyle (Tiegan Ruddy HT), Jamie Finn ©, Evelyn Daly (Lynn Craven 68).
Substitutes: Sophie Watters, Tiegan Ruddy, Dearbhaile Beirne, Naoisha McAloon (GK), Fiona Donnelly, Heather Payne, Lynn Craven. |
