Forward Lauren Brennan replaced Lynsey Whiteside in the starting line-up as NI tried to go for a required three points if they were to have any chance of qualifying. However the Czech Republic, fresh f rom an 8-0 victory over FYR Macedonia, had other ideas and stamped their authority on the game after fifteen mins when they capitalised on a defensive error to go 1-0 up. NI huffed and puffed but found it difficult to break down a physical Czech back line in order to release their pacey wingers. It was the Czechs who then scored their second of the game, again capatilising on defensive hesitancy in the NI backline. Half time 0-2.
NI started the second half a bit brighter and Magill and Hurst tried hard to make something happen down the right hand side but just could not find that final ball. The game was over as a contest after 60 mins when Czech Republic scored their third goal from a header which wasn?t picked up from a Czech corner. NI created a few half chances through McGuiness, Craig and Magill but couldn?t test the keeper when required.
In truth NI looked a shadow of the team that scared the Republic of Ireland two nights earlier and the disappointment of that game paired with the physical exertions put into it could well have been responsible for this disappointing display. Full time 0-3
Alice Harkness
Alex Hurst
Sarah Gamble
Jennifer McDaide
Laura Nicholas
Nicole Connolly
Hayley O?Donnell
Simone Magill
Kirsty McGuiness
Shannon Brown
Lauren Brennan
Subs
Nicole Adams
Rebecca Craig
Lynsey Whiteside
Alana McShane
Jessica Moorehead
Maria Quinn
Courtney Greene
