The Republic of Ireland Women's Under-19s qualified for the Elite Round of the UEFA Women's Under-19 Championships with a game to spare, after defeating the Faroe Islands 3-0 in Lithuania.
Goals from Chloe Singleton, Heather Payne and Alannah McEvoy ensured the three points in Marijampole on Friday afternoon.
Head Coach Dave Connell made three changes to the side that defeated Lithuania 7-0 earlier this week. Goalkeeper Rachael Kelly, Chloe Singleton and Carla McManus were brought into the lineup, as Connell looked to keep the squad fresh throughout the Qualifying Round.
Singleton scored her second goal in two games, just midway through the first-half as Ireland went into the break in the lead.
Heather Payne doubled the lead in the 70th-minute, before substitute Alannah McEvoy wrapped up the three points five minutes later.
Speaking after the game, Dave Connell was pleased with the result that ensures qualification to the Elite Round.
"We came to Lithuania, hoping to win our first two games and that's what we have done. It's great to qualify, but our focus now turns to Monday's game against Ukraine.
"The girls weren't as clinical today as they were against Lithuania, so there's plenty to work on over the weekend."
Connell's side will hope to make it three wins from three on Monday. They play Ukraine in Marijampole. Kick-off is at 4pm (2pm Irish time).
Republic of Ireland: Rachael Kelly; Rachel Baynes (Leah Brady 78), Roisin McGovern, Sadhbh Doyle (Aoife Slattery 78), Lucia Lobato (Doireann Fahey 78); Tiegan Ruddy, Megan Mackey (capt) (Ciara Fowler 66), Chloe Singleton; Isibeal Atkinson, Heather Payne, Carla McManus (Alannah McEvoy 46)
Faroe Islands: Eyðgerð Mikkelsen; Maria Á Lakjuni (Rutt Hjelm Gregersen 73), Rebekka J. Olsen, Julia Helena Dal Henriksen, Poula Andreasen; Jensa Kannuberg Tórolvsdóttir (Ása Stórá Carlsen 73), Sara Samson Lamhauge; Sanna Jacobsen, Marjun Óladóttir Danielsen (capt) (Sólvá Strøm Olsen 81), Julia Naomi Mortensen; Mona Rasmusdóttir (Victoria Á Lakjuni 88)
Referee: Elvira Nurmustafina (KAZ) |