Page 30 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.26 2022-23

Northern Ireland will be taking part in one of the most prestigious girls’ football competitions
in Europe next week. The annual Bob Docherty Tournament for Under-15 girls’ development
sides will this year feature teams from England, Scotland and Republic of Ireland as well as
Northern Ireland.
The competition, run by the Schools Association Football International Board (SAFIB),
is for schoolgirls’ teams, although the respective squads usually feature several players
involved in national development set-ups. This year’s tournament is being staged in the
Glasgow area. The Northern Ireland team is set to be managed by Stephen Graham, who will
be assisted by Heather Mearns.
Northern Ireland’s first game in the Bob Docherty is on Sunday (2 April) against
England. The venue is Parklea Playing Fields (4pm kick off). Matchday two is next Tuesday
(4 April) when Scotland will be the opposition at the home of Renfrew Juniors FC in Renfrew
(1pm start). Then it’s back to Parklea for the Northern Ireland girls next Thursday to face the
Republic (1.30pm kick-off).
Northern Ireland last won the trophy in 2012, while the Republic are the current
holders of the Bob Docherty Cup.
The Northern Ireland Women’s U15 development squad features:
Abbie Smith (Victoria College, Belfast), Isla Mitchell (Bangor Academy), Caitie
McGurnaghan (Rathmore Grammar, Dunmurry), Lillie Horner (Belfast Girls’ Model), Chloe
Beckinsale (Belfast High School), Caitlin Carlisle (Carrickfergus Grammar School), Ellie
McLarnon (Glenlola Collegiate, Bangor), Sophie Pollock (Lurgan College), Jessica
McGuinness (Edmund Rice College, Glengormley), Niamh Hassan (St Mary’s High School,
Limavady), Sophie Hutchinson (Ballymoney High), Natnicha Mills (Mount Lourdes,
Enniskillen), Charlotte Haveron (St Paul’s High, Bessbrook), Mia Snoddy (Larne Grammar
School), Anna Walsh (Dominican College, Belfast), Kayli-Ann Clayton (Tandragee Junior
High), Lucy Kelly (Mercy College, Belfast), Maja Stachura (Edmund Rice College).

Gloucestershire League
Cirencester Town seem to have reserved their best form in Cup matches in the last couple
of years and they are through to the Gordon Perrett League Cup Final after a fine 2-0 victory
over Bishop's Cleeve. Both goals came in the first half, Nikola Biskup giving Ciren the lead
and Lucy Scrannage adding the second with a long range strike, as the Division Two side
knocked out their higher league opponents. The other semi final between Bitton Ladies and
Cheltenham Civil Service fell victim to the weather.
In Division One, Bristol Rovers Development have restored their lead of three
points at the top after they defeated Bristol & West 4-0. Poppy Wannell netted two of the
goals and she was joined on the scoresheet by Helena Costa and Shannon Francis.
Bradley Stoke were in action for the first time in several weeks on Sunday and it ended
in a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Longlevens. A win would have taken Bradley Stoke into the
top four but despite a goal from Hollie Shone, they went down to strikes from Hannah
Bingham, Lorraine Smith and Kirsten Talbot. Beth Smith meanwhile hit a hat-trick, with
Chloe Jarvis, Ella-Mai Ireland, Katie Williams and Chloe Morgan adding the others, as
Gloucester City Development defeated City of Gloucester 7-1, Katie Vallender netting
a consolation for the visitors.
The top of the table clash in Division Three lived up to its billing as leaders Southmead
Community Sport won a thrilling match 4-3 against Stoke Lane Athletic. Ellwood
Ladies have now climbed into second after Michaela Dowie (2) and Em Symonds gave them
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