Northern Ireland’s Women’s Under-16s were narrowly defeated by Wales in the first of two friendlies against the Welsh which are being staged in Co Antrim this week.
Competition
International Challenge Match
Scoreline
Northern Ireland WU16s 0-2 Wales WU16s
Scorers
Wales: Lillie James, Effie Williams
Venue
Greenisland FC, Co Antrim
Date
15 September 2026
Team News
Head coach Danielle McDowell Tuffey named a 20-player Northern Ireland Women’s Under-16 squad for two international friendly matches against their Welsh counterparts at Greenisland FC’s home this week.
How it happened
Wales mounted the first dangerous attack of the game but Lauren Kirkpatrick and Connie Harper blocked well.
Down the other end good work in the final third by Ella Kitson, Kelly Robinson and Aoife Conlon created opportunities for the girls in green and white. From a corner the ball fell to Conlon who drilled in a shot from the edge of the area, however Wales goalkeeper Lois Lightfoot produced a smart save to thwart her.
Conlon produced a searing run down the right flank before a defender blocked her effort, while Northern Ireland defender Zion Donnan produced a great tackle to snuff out a Welsh attack.
Kitson delivered a pinpoint cross to Conlon who was unlucky not to convert. And then Northern Ireland keeper Ifeoma Agoha made a fantastic save from a close range shot.
On 36 minutes Wales took the lead. Attacker Lillie James latched on to a through ball and finished well.
Shortly after Leah Hepburn was brought down just outside the area. From the resulting free-kick Gracey Livingston found Donnan whose drilled effort was stopped by Lightfoot. Then a Hepburn shot from distance drifted wide.
Half-time: Northern Ireland WU16s 0-1 Wales WU16s
In the second half both sides pressed but chances were few and far between.
Livingston found Hepburn with a neat pass and the midfielder in turn set up substitute Lydia Devlin, however the Welsh keeper raced off her line to smother the attacker’s effort.
As the game wore on Kirkpatrick and Cara McVeigh worked hard in midfield to close down Welsh attacks.
Warren Holmes’ side eventually grabbed a second when centre forward Effie Williams steered the ball home from the edge of the area.
The second and final friendly between the two teams is set to be staged at Greenisland on Friday (18 September) at 11am.
Full-time: Northern Ireland WU16s 0-2 Wales WU16s
Line-ups
Northern Ireland WU16s: Ifeoma Agoha (captain), Connie Harper, Gracey Livingston, Zion Donnan, Darcy Grayson, Lauren Kirkpatrick, Aoife Conlon, Cara McVeigh, Ella Kitson, Leah Hepburn, Kelly Robinson.
Substitutes: (used) Emilie Sylvester, Daisy Coalter, Lydia Devlin, Lara Longridge; (unused) Orla McLaughlin (GK), Maci Davidson, Sophia McNicholl, Sophie Nelson, Sarah Smyth.
Wales WU16s: Lois Lightfoot, Erin Jones, Esme Hooper, Lily Tyler, Carys Williams, Amy Kplomedo, Lily May Harris, Claudia Drew (captain), Effie Williams, Lillie James, Ella Drew.
Substitutes: Hattie Dawson (GK), Lily Perkins, Poppy-Jo Llewellyn, Arabel Morcom, Lola Williams, Bella Roberts, Mared Lloyd, Lucy Roberts, Carys Evans.
Action from Greenisland
