Emma Doherty scores brace as Ireland U19 win in first Euro qualifier

Emma Doherty scored both goals as the Republic of Ireland under-19s got off to a perfect start in their firstEuropean Championships second round qualifier in the Czech Republic, defeating the hosts 2-0.

The Buncrana woman opened the scoring in the second half, after a brilliant ball over the top by fellow Donegal woman Kerryanne Brown.

The ball fell to Greencastle native Brown in her own half and she played a first time through ball over the top and Doherty raced on to it, evading offside, before finishing past Tereza Fuchsova.

The Sligo Rovers player then got her second of the night in the 94th minute to seal the win as Jessica Stapleton’s cross found its way to Doherty at the back post and her looping header made its way over Fuchsova and into the net.

It was her Ireland under-19 debut and it was the perfect evening as she made all the difference

Erin Mclaughlin from Culdaff also started for Dave Connell’s side who have made the perfect start to the campaign while France beat Greece 3-0 in the other group game.

They face their toughest test next against France on the 9th of April and then followed by Greece on the 12th of April, with both games being played in the Bazaly Stadium, Ostrava.