Northern Ireland’s Women’s Under-15 development team lost narrowly to Scotland Schools in their second game in this year’s Bob Docherty Cup tournament.
Competition
SAFIB Bob Docherty Cup
Scoreline
Northern Ireland WU15s 1-2 Scotland Schools
Scorer
Northern Ireland: Ruby Adair (18’)
Venue
Athlone Town Stadium
Date
26 March 2024
Team News
Head coach Stephen Graham made just one tweak to the Northern Ireland starting line-up for his side’s second match in the international competition for U15 girls’ development teams run by the Schools’ Association Football International Board (SAFIB).
Striker Ava Hurl, who replaced Maja Stachura up front, was the only change to the side that drew 1-1 with England in game one.
How it happened
Scotland dominated the early exchanges, however Northern Ireland weathered the storm.
On 11 minutes Abbie Smyth played in Ava Hurl but the keeper saved her effort.
Two minutes later Mirijana Karrabecaj and Emilee Leacock combined well down the right to set up Ruby Adair, however the keeper pushed away her effort. Hurl was unlucky with a follow-up shot.
Grace McAllister shot wide and the Scots fired a shot from distance over the bar before Northern Ireland took the lead in the 18th minute. McAllister picked out Adair and she finished well.
Towards the end of the half Scotland piled on the pressure, however the Northern Ireland defence stood firm.
Half-time: Northern Ireland WU15s 1-0 Scotland Schools
Scotland came flying out of the traps after the break and forced a series of corners.
They levelled the scores in the 37th minute through a pinpoint long distance shot.
And they grabbed what proved to be the winner nine minutes later when a delivery from a corner was headed home at the back post.
Northern Ireland tried to get back into it, however they could not find a way past a resolute Scottish defence.
The WU15 team’s final game in the 2024 edition of the annual Bob Docherty Cup tournament is against hosts Republic of Ireland Schools tomorrow (28 March). That game is due to kick off in Athlone at noon.
Full-time: Northern Ireland WU15s 1-2 Scotland Schools
Line-up
Northern Ireland WU15s: Zara McAvoy, Holly Hilton, Mirijana Karrabecaj, Chloe Beckinsale, Lily Brooke Wallace, Charlotte Havern, Emilee Leacock, Abbie Smyth, Ava Hurl, Ruby Adair, Grace McAllister.
Substitutes: (used) Maja Stachura, Heidi Curran, Daisy Moore, Grace Campbell, Jemima Hernan; (unused) Madison Bell (GK), Sophie Graham.
