Northern Ireland’s Women’s Under-15s were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Bulgaria WU15s in a development tournament staged in Bulgaria.
Competition
UEFA WU15 Development Tournament
Scoreline
Bulgaria WU15s 1-0 Northern Ireland WU15s
Venue
Hadzhi Dimitar Stadium, Sliven, Bulgaria
Date
Friday 4 October 2024
News
Head coach Stephen Graham made four changes for Northern Ireland’s third and final game in a four-team UEFA development tournament.
In came goalkeeper Bella McDaid, Indie McQuillan, Annarose Robinson and Caitlin Shields.
And dropping to the bench were keeper Anna Roberts, Autumn Edgar, Grace Murray and Grace Steele who were all in the starting eleven for game two against Romania.
How it happened
After losing 6-1 against Hungary and 3-0 to the Romanians in their previous games, Northern Ireland were determined to put on a good show against the hosts.
And they performed well despite the game being played in blistering heat.
Northern Ireland had the best chance in the opening half-hour. Grace Murray played Abigail Curley in and her shot went inches over the bar.
Bella McDaid saved a long range effort from the Bulgarians but the keeper could not keep out a well-struck free-kick on 43 minutes which gave the hosts the lead.
Half-time: Bulgaria WU15s 1-0 Northern Ireland WU15s
Both teams cancelled each other out for much of the second half.
Bulgaria went close to extending their lead with a decent strike from the edge of the area that drifted past the upright.
On 85 minutes a fine cross by substitute Annabelle Shaw into the area was met by fellow sub Alexandra McKinnon at the back post, however she could only guide the ball over the top.
In the closing stages Northern Ireland pushed for an equaliser but they just could not get the goal that their performance deserved.
Full-time: Bulgaria WU15s 1-0 Northern Ireland WU15s
Bulgaria: Kristiana Vladimirova, Elina Markova, Aleksandra Dineva, Ema Varbanov (captain), Velizara Boeva, Teodora Dimitrova, Lora Vasileva, Karina Rikevska, Viktoria Pencheva, Yoana Popova, Viktoria Surgucheva.
Substitutes: Geri Stoycheva, Aleksandra Raykova, Irina Todorova, Radina Mihaylova, Nikol Savova, Karina Rumenova, Simon Dimova, Magdalena Dimova, Atanasia Trayova.
Northern Ireland: Bella McDaid, Lacey Mai McVicker, Anayah Lee, Indie McQuillan, Anna Smyth (captain), Niamh McDaid, Charley McMullan, Kacylee Mitchell, Annarose Robinson, Abigail Curley, Caitlin Shields.
Substitutes: (used) Grace Murray, Grace Pinkerton, Ellie Tohill, Mea Foster, Anna Roberts (GK), Grace Steele, Autumn Edgar, Alexandra McKinnon, Annabelle Shaw.
