Northern Ireland’s Women’s Under-16 development team scored five goals for the second match running at SuperCupNI as they defeated dogged opponents.
Competition
SuperCupNI Girls’ Premier (U16) Section – Group B
Scoreline
Northern Ireland WU16s 5 Galway United Women U16s 3
Scorers
Northern Ireland: Niamh Hassan (1’), Maja Stachura (2’), Jessica McGuinness (3’, 12’), Lucy Kelly (35’)
Venue
Chimney Corner, Newtownabbey
Date
23 July 2024
Team News
Head coach Danielle McDowell Tuffey made five changes to the side that defeated Athlone Town Ladies U16s 5-1 in the WU16 development side’s opening game in Group B.
Zara Maguire replaced Abbie Smith in nets, while Caitie McGurnaghan, Maja Stachura, Tara Kerr and Mia Reilly were also included in the starting 11 after being on the bench for the first game.
The outfield players dropping to the bench for this one were Lillie Horner, Caitlin Carlisle, Ava Hurl and Kayli-Ann Clayton.
How it happened
Northern Ireland came flying out of the traps and scored in the first minute through midfielder Niamh Hassan.
And they increased their lead just a minute later when striker Maja Stachura was played in and slotted the ball home.
Captain Jessica McGuinness then got in on the act – in the third minute. She scored with a 25-yard drive into the bottom corner.
Midfielder McGuinness grabbed her second on 12 minutes when she ran at the Galway defence and applied a neat finish.
On 25 minutes Northern Ireland keeper Zara Maguire saved well from a dangerous Galway corner, however she was beaten a minute later when Galway scored from the spot.
On the stroke of half-time striker Lucy Kelly netted Northern Ireland’s fifth goal of the half.
Half-time: Northern Ireland WU16s 5 Galway United Women U16s 1
Shortly into the second period substitute Natnicha Mills had an effort which drifted just wide.
Around the 50-minute mark Galway, who were much more competitive after the break after introducing a raft of subs, pulled a couple of goals back.
In the closing stages Maguire had to be on her toes to repel a goal-bound effort, while down the other end the Galway keeper saved a shot from Northern Ireland sub Kayli-Ann Clayton.
Later today (24 July) the U16 girls will meet Wolverhampton Wanderers in their third and final group game.
Northern Ireland have already qualified for this year’s final of the Girls’ U16 (Premier) Cup in the international youth football tournament thanks to their two victories to date.
Wolves are their nearest Group B challengers with two points (from two draws) so far. Today’s game is being played at The Diamond in Rathcoole (4.30pm).
In the final Northern Ireland will face either Manchester United or Aston Villa from Group A. They are due to meet in a top of the table encounter at Ballyclare’s Dixon Park this evening (7 o’clock). Like Northern Ireland, Manchester United have won two games so far, while Villa have a win and a draw under their belts.
For further information on the tournament go to www.supercupni.com.
Full-time: Northern Ireland WU16s 5 Galway United Women U16s 3
Northern Ireland U16s line-up
Zara Maguire, Caitie McGurnaghan, Chloe Beckinsale, Sophie Hutchinson, Tara Kerr, Sophie Pollock, Niamh Hassan, Jessica McGuinness (captain), Maja Stachura, Mia Reilly, Lucy Kelly.
Substitutes: (used) Kayli-Ann Clayton, Natnicha Mills, Caitlin Carlisle, Charlotte Havern, Lillie Horner, Ava Hurl; (unused) Abbie Smith.
Main image: Northern Ireland WU16s captain Jessica McGuinness scored twice against Galway.
Action from Chimney Corner
