Republic of Ireland 3-1 Northern Ireland
Louise Masterson (9, 23) Isibéal Carolan (60) Megan Bell (45)
THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND Schools select secured another valuable victory this afternoon at Dragon Park when they faced neighbours Northern Ireland in the second outing of their campaign with Donegal’s Amy Boyle Carr and Tyler Toland in the line-up.
Northern Ireland enjoyed the brighter start to proceedings with plenty of possession but the Northerners didn’t trouble Ballincollig CS netminder Maria O’Sullivan too much between the sticks.
Isibéal Carolan combined well with Amy Boyle Carr in the early exchanges but the Glenties native’s attempt was just wide of the mark.
Northern Ireland continued to pressurize the Republic’s defenses as Zoe Kilpatrick was pulling the strings at midfield however a goal from the industrious Louise Masterson (Holy Family CS, Rathcoole) with 9 minutes on the clock changed the dynamic of the game. A piercing through ball from Tyler Toland (Deele College) was initially aimed at Donegal counterpart Amy Boyle Carr but the Northern Ireland goalkeeper intercepted this passage of play. Her clearance fell to Masterson who slotted coolly from distance.
A pattern of attacking football by the Republic of Ireland was to remain in statue. Masterson got her second of the afternoon seven minutes from the interval as Lucia Labato placed a beautifully weighted pass into her direction. The Rathcoole lady brushed off the imposing defender to slot home ensuring a slight advantage for Counihan.
Alannah McEvoy’s introduction for goal scorer Masterson was a likely threat throughout on the right wing.
Indeed the Republic of Ireland could have secured a hat-trick before the break as Doireann Fahey was fouled inside the box. Unfortunately Ardscoil Rathangan scholar Fahey missed the resulting penalty before time was called on proceedings.
The Northern Ireland contingency played a lot better in the second period enjoying a spelling of good possession. Their hard work was rewarded with a fine goal. A free kick was awarded to the North and Bell followed in with a clever delivery to take the game to 2-1 with fifteen minutes remaining.
Amy Boyle Carr and Isibéal Carolan continued to threaten and Boyle Carr’s through ball to Carolan led to a magnificent finish from the young Rush student to ensure a peach of a goal to wrap up proceedings.
As the game drew to a close, there was time for one last chance as Ballincollig’s Zara Foley raced from midfield but was unlucky not to add to the goal tally
All in all this was a convincing display of controlled and penetrating football by the Republic of Ireland.
The Republic of Ireland will have a rest day tomorrow while Wales (01) and Northern Ireland face off on Sunday morning at 12 noon in Dragon Park. The other group sees top dogs Scotland up against an experienced England side on Sunday at 2pm in the same venue.
Depending on results, the positional play-offs will be played on Monday morning so Lorraine and the girls will be paying close attention to the next few games to see who they face in the final at 11.30am on Monday morning in Dragon Park.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Maria O’SULLIVAN, Eabha O’MAHONY, Aoife LYNAGH, Meghen HENGERER, Aisling SPILLANE, Lucia LOBATO, Isibéal CAROLAN, Doireann FAHEY, Tyler TOLAND, Louise MASTERSON, Amy BOYLE CARR
SUBS USED: Alannah McEVOY for Masterson (25), Leah McHUGH for Fahey (45), Zara FOLEY for Hengerer (60)
SUBS NOT USED: Jessica ZIU, Rachel KELLY (GK), Sinead DONOVAN, Rachel O’REGAN
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