Release Date: 27/08/2011
NORTHERN Ireland U19 Ladies prepared for the UEFA U19 Women’s Championship qualifying group in September with a thoroughly deserved draw against their Portuguese opposition.
The girls in green kicked off the 1st half in warm conditions which was made more bearable by a cool breeze.
Portugal started the better with Flavia Santos striking the crossbar from a shot outside the box in the 2nd minute. They then took an early lead in the 12th minute after a mistake in the Northern Ireland defence gave Jessica Silva a free shot on goal.
Northern Ireland goalkeeper Alice Harkness made a terrific save in the 24th minute from a Portuguese free-kick from outside the box. The Glentoran Belfast United player was at full stretch in pushing the ball over the bar.
Although behind, Alfie Wylie’s girls battled hard, especially in midfield, but just lacked that cutting edge in the final 3rd.
Both teams did not have a great deal of scoring opportunities in the 1st half, however Northern Ireland were at a disadvantage playing against the wind.
Portugal could have increased their lead in the 38th minute as Jessica Silva was clear through on goal, however quick movement from Alice Harkness helped her smother the ball to prevent the hosts from going 2-0 up.
Most of Northern Ireland’s best play in the 1st 45 minutes came through Linfield’s Kirsty McGuinness who showed little fear in taking on individual opponents with the ball and pushing play up field.
Half time scoreline: Portugal 1-0 Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland exerted early pressure in the 2nd half and were rewarded for their endeavours in the 53rd minute. The Portuguese defence failed to deal with a corner whipped in from the right with Laura Nicholas heading home from close range for the equaliser.
Northern Ireland continued their good 2nd half start by dominating possession for the majority of the 2nd period. The Portuguese struggled to cope with the physical nature of the Northern Ireland game with great tackles coming from Nicole Connolly, Sarah Gamble, Danielle Ennis and Aoife Lennon.
Northern Ireland could have, and probably should have won the game in the 87th minute. Simone Magill used great skill to beat 2 defenders putting her through on goal, however the opposing goalkeeper made a fine save from her eventual strike.
The Portuguese had upped their game in the final 10 minutes (+ 8 mins injury time), but the Northern Ireland defence remained strong. Such was the performance of Wylie’s girls in the 2nd half that Portuguese players looked thrilled to hear the final whistle and earn a draw.
“We are very pleased to come away from home and get a draw” commented Alfie Wylie. “In all honesty I think we should have won the game given our 2nd half performance. The Portuguese players possessed great technical ability, however our girl’s work rate and general organisation was excellent. I was especially pleased to see Aoife Lennon earn her 1st U19 International cap and she will thoroughly deserve her ‘Player of the match’ award which is sponsored by Northern Ireland fan Shaun Schofield.”
