Northern Ireland U16 girls’ development squad win their third game taking them through to the SuperCupNI final on Friday.
Competition
SuperCupNI Girls U16 Premier competition – Round 3
Scoreline
Northern Ireland U16s 4-0 Rangers
Scorers
Northern Ireland: McGuinness (17’), Conway (23’) (32’), Ferreira (68’)
Venue
Dixon Park, Ballyclare
Date
Wednesday 26th July 2023
How it happened
Northern Ireland started the game on top with a high press that pinned Rangers back to win possession over the ball. The strong start was rewarded with the first goal in the 17th minute as Jessica McGuinness combined with Niamh Hassan with a cool finish.
Northern Ireland doubled their lead at 23 minutes as a corner delivered by Darcie McNeill was headed in by Daisy Conway.
With three minutes to go until half time, Sophie Kelly-Bradley delivered a great cross from the left-hand side with Gracie Conway powering home a header bringing it to 3-0 at the break.
Half-time: Northern Ireland U16s 3-0 Rangers
Rangers increased the pressure in search of getting a goal on the scoreboard but Northern Ireland managed the game well.
In the last minute of play, Bernie Ferreira seized the opportunity, chasing Rangers goalkeeper down to steal possession of the ball and rifled it into the open goal.
Following their third win of the tournament, Northern Ireland progress to play Surf Select in the SuperCupNI final at 3pm on Friday at Dixon Park.
Full-time: Northern Ireland U16s 4-0 Rangers
Line-ups
Northern Ireland: Abbie Smith, Laura Dowie, Daisy Conway, Anastasija Stanyte, Darcie McNeill, Sophie Kelly-Bradley, Niamh Hassan, Gracie Conway, Jessica McGuinness, Clodagh Maguire, Sophie Pollock.
Substitutes: (used) Kayli-ann Clayton, Bernie Ferreira, Olivia Campbell, Lucy Kelly, Clodagh Maguire, Sophie Hutchinson, Sophie Pollock; (unused) Kate Smith, Caitlin Carlisle.
Rangers: Elise Graham, Abi Tobin, Lily Boyce, Imogen Mooney, Millie Paton, Jess Linden, Sophie Black, Alba Stewart, Sophie McKnight, Madison Maxwell, Lucy Livie.
Substitutes: (used) Rebecca Simpson, Taylor Coulter, Olivia Kirk, Erin O’Brien, Sophie Townsley, Abby Hayes; (unused) Cerys Williams.
