Northern Ireland’s Women’s Under-16s drew with their Welsh counterparts in the second of two friendlies against Wales staged in Co Antrim this week.
Competition
International Challenge Match
Scoreline
Northern Ireland WU16s 2-2 Wales WU16s
Scorers
Northern Ireland: Lydia Devlin, Leah Hepburn
Wales: Lily Perkins, Lily Tyler
Venue
Greenisland FC, Co Antrim
Date
18 September 2026
Team News
Northern Ireland WU16s head coach Danielle McDowell Tuffey made five changes to the team that narrowly lost 2-0 to Wales in the first of this week’s friendlies at Greenisland.
In came defenders Lara Longridge and Maci Davidson, midfielders Sophia McNicholl and Sophie Nelson plus attacker Lydia Devlin.
Dropping to the bench were defenders Connie Harper and Darcy Grayson, midfielders Lauren Kirkpatrick and Leah Hepburn along with attacker Ella Kitson.
How it happened
Northern Ireland started brightly as the rain hammered down – and took the lead when Zion Donnan fired in a free-kick which was slotted home by Lydia Devlin from close range.
Then Gracey Livingston produced an excellent block as Wales threatened down the other end.
Lara Longridge saw a long range effort drift wide as Northern Ireland pushed for a second.
However, it was the Welsh who found the net next, Lily Perkins scoring just before the break with a fine strike from distance.
And on the stroke of half-time Devlin almost got on the scoresheet again but Welsh keeper Hattie Dawson did well to keep out her half-volley.
Half-time: Northern Ireland WU16s 1-1 Wales WU16s
Early in the second half Northern Ireland substitute Leah Hepburn produced a brilliant finish to make it 2-1 to the girls in green and white. She smashed the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area.
But Wales drew level again when substitute Lily Tyler’s shot from distance found the back of the net.
Northern Ireland almost snatched victory when Kelly Robinson blasted a free-kick towards goal. Her well-struck effort was on target, however the Welsh keeper managed to keep it out.
Afterwards McDowell Tuffey said: “It was a really good challenge and test for our players. The games were played in a competitive manner at a high tempo in difficult conditions.
“All 20 players had learning opportunities to develop both on and off the pitch in an international camp. Overall it was a really positive experience that will stand them in good stead moving forward.”
Full-time: Northern Ireland WU16s 2-2 Wales WU16s
Line-ups
Northern Ireland WU16s: Ifeoma Agoha (captain), Lara Longridge, Gracey Livingston, Zion Donnan, Maci Davidson, Sophia McNicholl, Aoife Conlon, Cara McVeigh, Lydia Devlin, Kelly Robinson, Sophie Nelson.
Substitutes: (used) Orla McLaughlin (GK), Connie Harper, Ella Kitson, Leah Hepburn, Emilie Sylvester, Daisy Coalter, Sarah Smyth; (unused) Darcy Grayson, Lauren Kirkpatrick.
Wales WU16s: Hattie Dawson, Lily Perkins, Esme Hooper, Carys Williams, Amy Kplomedo, Claudia Drew (captain), Effie Williams, Poppy-Jo Llewellyn, Lola Williams, Bella Roberts, Carys Evans.
Substitutes: Lois Lightfoot (GK) Lily Tyler, Lily May Harris, LillieJames, Ella Drew, Erin Jones, Arabel Morcom, Mared Lloyd, Lucy Roberts.
Action from Greenisland
