Northern Ireland’s Women’s Under-16 team enjoyed another solid win in their third and final game in a UEFA development tournament in Malta.
Competition
UEFA WU16 Development Tournament
Scoreline
Malta WU16s 0-3 Northern Ireland WU16s
Scorers
Northern Ireland: Maja Stachura (10’, 27’), Heidi Curran (31’)
Venue
Centenary Stadium, Ta’Qali
Date
9 March 2025
Team News
Northern Ireland were seeking a second win in the four-team tournament following a fine victory over Latvia and a defeat to Ghana.
For the game against the hosts WU16s head coach Danielle McDowell Tuffey made six changes to the team that started the defeat against the Ghanaians.
Goalkeeper Zara McAvoy replaced Sophie Glover, while Grace Campbell, Ava Hurl, Maja Stachura, Abbie Smyth and Lauren Morrison also came in to the starting 11. Chloe Beckinsale, Charlotte Havern, Ruby Adair, Aoife Gargan and Grace McAllister dropped to the bench.
How it happened
Northern Ireland started strongly and opened the scoring on 10 minutes. Lauren Morrison found Abbie Smyth and she in turn fed Maja Stachura who outpaced her marker before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.
Goalkeeper Zara McAvoy and the Northern Ireland defence had to be on their toes to repel a few corners before Northern Ireland stretched their lead. This time Heidi Curran and Emilee Leacock combined well to tee up Stachura who ran through and finished well.
In the 31st minute goal number three arrived. Lily-Brooke Wallace found Smyth and she slipped the ball to Curran who scored with a neat finish.
Half-time: Malta WU16s Northern Ireland WU16s
Malta pushed forward after the break and defender Daisy Moore did well to snuff out a dangerous attack.
In the 67th minute Smyth and substitute Grace McAllister linked up well before McAllister unleashed a shot which was well saved by the Malta keeper.
And the Malta goalie came to her side’s rescue on two more occasions, producing good stops to deny McAllister and substitute Ruby Adair.
Afterwards Danielle McDowell Tuffey said: “We are pleased with our performances and development progress this week. All 20 players played a lot of minutes and contributed really well.
“It was a good challenge and experience to get the opportunity to play against Ghana, a top African nation. We have had an enjoyable week with lots of learning and development both on and off the pitch.”
Full-time: Malta WU16s 0-3 Northern Ireland WU16s
Line-ups
Malta WU16s: Katelyn Camilleri, Sara Shaladi, Amy Catania, Krista Sacco, Edison Grixti, Alanah Ghio (captain), Nina Naudi, Amberley Borg, Erika Cini, Lara Micallef, Shanaia Mifsud.
Substitutes: Ezlyana Degiorgio (GK), Alessandra Consoli, Jade Galea, Ana Mercieca, Olivia Nazarko, Amy Portelli, Izabella Stringer, Kay Axiak, Kesia Farrugia.
Northern Ireland WU16s: Zara McAvoy, Grace Campbell, Daisy Moore, Lily-Brooke Wallace, Holly Hilton, Heidi Curran, Abbie Smyth, Emilee Leacock, Maja Stachura, Ava Hurl (captain), Lauren Morrison.
Substitutes: Madison Bell (GK), Sophie Glover (GK), Ruby Adair, Charlotte Havern, Aoife Gargan, Chloe Beckinsale, Charlotte Flanagan, Grace McAllister, Mirjana Karrabecaj.
