A Northern Ireland Women’s Under-16 development side played two friendlies against their Scottish counterparts this week.
Both games were staged at Greenisland FC’s ground in Co Antrim, with Scotland coming out on top in the first match and today’s game ending in a draw.
The two friendlies against Scotland WU16s formed part of an international camp for the development players.
Matchday one, on Tuesday, saw a really competitive transitional game with both teams playing on the front foot.
It was a good test for Northern Ireland and they put in a steely and organised performance. Scotland just edged the game and came out 2-0 winners.
Northern Ireland dominated today’s game and created numerous clearcut chances to score in the first half, however Scotland goalkeeper Abbie Burns repelled them, producing a number of important saves.
The home side were unfortunate to go in one nil down to a deflected own goal.
In the second half Northern Ireland kept pushing forward and created a couple of good opportunities before eventually scoring an equaliser through Grace Murray late in the game. The final score was 1-1.
Northern Ireland WU16s head coach Danielle McDowell Tuffey selected a 20-player squad for the two games. She was assisted by Julie Nelson.
Northern Ireland matchday one line-up: Saskia McLaughlin, Grace Steele, Caitlin Shields, Ellie-Mae Turner, Anna Smyth, Grace Murray, Grace Guest, Annarose Robinson, Alexandra McKinnon, Abigail Curley.
Substitutes: Beth Peoples (GK), Anayah Lee, Charley McMullan, Autumn Edgar, Abigail Fitzsimmons, Lacey Mai McVicker, Daisy-Lee Anderson, Niamh McDaid, Annabelle Shaw.
Northern Ireland matchday two line-up: Saskia McLaughlin, Caitlin Shields, Anayah Lee, Ellie-Mae Turner, Autumn Edgar, Anna Smyth, Grace Murray, Daisy-Lee Anderson, Charley McMullan, Annabelle Shaw, Abigail Curley.
Substitutes: Beth Peoples (GK), Sasha Cowan, Grace Guest, Abigail Fitzsimmons, Lacey Mai McVicker, Alexandra McKinnon, Niamh McDaid.
Scotland matchday one line-up: Erin Anderson, Freya McIndoe, Lexie Fellows, Toni Campbell, Isla Miller, Fearne Smith, Phoebe O’Donnell, Saoirse Coyle-Morrow, Mirren Duncan, Brooke Harvey, Lucy Jane Hope.
Substitutes: Abbie Burns (GK), Lily McLaughlin, Rosa Campagnolo, Marcie Kane, Daisy Osborne, Eilidh McCormack, Olivia Gallacher, Isla McManus, Ellie Harkin.
Scotland matchday two line-up: Abbie Burns, Toni Campbell, Isla Miller, Lucy Jane Hope, Marcie Kane, Daisy Osborne, Eilidh McCormack, Olivia Gallacher, Saoirse Coyle-Morrow, Isla McManus, Ellie Harkin.
Substitutes: Erin Anderson (GK), Freya McIndoe, Lexie Fellows, Fearne Smith, Phoebe O’Donnell, Lily McLaughlin, Mirren Duncan, Brooke Harvey, Rosa Campagnolo.
