GREENCASTLE’S Roma McLaughlin inspired Ireland to a superb U19 win against 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan in their UEFA Elite Phase Qualifier in Tallaght Stadium.
Following their defeat to Germany on Tuesday, Ireland much-needed 3-0 win was spearheaded by the Donegal striker, who brilliantly volleyed Dave Connell’s side ahead after just 15 minutes.
Although Dearbhaile Beirne should have added a second as the interval approach, the second duly arrived on the hour after McLaughlin was sent sprawling in the box. Hayley Nolan tucked the resultant penalty into the left corner.
Full-back Niamh Prior put the result beyond their limited opponents by burying the rebound after Lucy McCartan’s shot was spilled into her path.
Germany are assured of top spot and a place in the summer finals before Sunday’s concluding group fixture against Azerbaijan, meaning Ireland must beat Poland and hope it’s enough to clinch the sole best runner-up slot and join them at the showpeice in Slovakia.
Dave Connell’s side were utterly dominate and limited Azerbaijan to just one shot on goal in the second half.
The victory sees Ireland move into second place in Group 1 with three points, behind leaders Germany who defeated Poland 1-0 in the group’s earlier game.
Ireland’s final game sees them face Poland in Tallaght Stadium on Sunday with a 2pm kick off.
Republic of Ireland: Dunne, Nelson, Keenan, McCarthy, Prior, Gargan (Kearns HT), Nolan, McCartan, Finn (Nolan 56), Beirne, McLaughlin (Lynch 73).
Azerbaijan: Sharifova, Sanchez, Borukova, Mammadova, S.Ortiz, Jalili (Ozdemir 65), M.Ortiz, Loa, Bakarandze (Mansimova 83), Aliyeva (Teymurova 77), Relea.
Referee: Ana Minic (Serbia).
