THE REPUBLIC OF Ireland women’s U17 side opened their Uefa Championships Elite Qualifying Round Group Two campaign in fine style yesterday with a 2-0 win over England at Turner’s Cross.
First half goals from Eleanor Ryan-Doyle and Saoirse Noonan were enough to secure all three points.
Peamount United striker Ryan-Doyle gave Ireland the lead in the 15th minute when she cut in from the left and beat one defender before slotting home past the England goalkeeper.
The visitors responded by heaping pressure on Dave Connell’s side with Amanda McQuillan making two important stops from England captain Chloe Kelly before Noonan added Ireland’s second with a looping strike from the edge of the area.
While England continued to pepper McQuillan’s goal in the second half, they couldn’t make the breakthrough and Ireland held on for the win.
In the day’s other Group 2 game, the Netherland’s beat Hungary 5-1 in Cobh. Ireland take on the Dutch at 3pm on Saturday at Turner’s Cross.
