Page 29 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.32 2021-22

Nottingham Forest - FAWNL Plate winners (Julian Barker).
Northern Ireland beaten in opener

Northern Ireland’s Under-16s lost 3-0 to Poland in their opening fixture in a UEFA
development tournament in Israel. It was the first of three games for the WU16s
development team at Israel’s national team complex at Shefayim over a six-day period.
A slick Polish team enjoyed the bulk of the possession in yesterday’s match and they
opened the scoring on 28 minutes when Northern Ireland failed to clear their lines and a
Polish player stroked the ball home.
Although Northern Ireland produced some good build up play at times, the Polish
defence were resolute and the Polish keeper was rarely tested.
Northern Ireland conceded a second goal on 72 minutes. Poland launched a quick
counter attack which resulted in one of their strikers scoring with a low drive. And right
at the death another counter attack led to the third and final goal for the Poles.
Noel Mitchell, who is coaching the development squad, said: “The team battled hard
and represented the association well. For many it was their first game at this level so,
naturally, a bit of inexperience was a factor.
“These games provide a great learning opportunity for our players. Development is
so key for us and although Poland were the better team on the day we take the positives,
of which there were plenty.”
Next up for the WU16s in the four-team UEFA development tournament is a game
against hosts Israel tomorrow (29 April) followed by their third and final game against
Greece on Monday.
Northern Ireland WU16s Development Squad:
Ellie Scott (Lisburn Rangers), Katie Smith (Banbridge Town), Olivia Leitch (Ballyclare
Comrades Ladies), Olivia Canavan (Bangor Ladies), Sofie Keenan (Linfield), Anastasija
Stanite (Craigavon City), Darcie McNeill (Crusaders Strikers), Erin Morrison
(Crusaders Strikers), Aimee Kerr (Ballyclare Comrades Ladies), Faye Loughran
(Lisburn Rangers), Morgan Hanna (Larne Ladies), Ellen McCartney (Camlough
Rovers), Mia Moore (Linfield), Sophie Gargan (Linfield), Maureen Quinn (Linfield),
Rachel McIntyre (Glentoran), Kascie Weir (Antrim Rovers), Ciara McAleer (Sion Swifts),
Rebecca Mann (Crusaders Strikers), Gracie Conway (Ballyclare Comrades Ladies).
Issue no. 32 - 28 April 2022 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk