30.04.05 U15 International Schoolgirls Tournament 2005 review...

DESPITE finishing bottom of the table the 2005 Ballymena International Tournament the U15 Girls side can draw many positives from the experience.

Pitted against Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland it was always going to be a tough few days for Stephen Graham's side but with each game the girls improved, developed and departed the competition with their heads held high.
Northern Ireland kicked off the Girls Section on Thursday, 28th April with a 4-0 defeat to Wales at the Ballymena Showgrounds. The Welsh only needed five minutes to move into the lead when Shan Jones burst down the right wing to finish with a close range shot past keeper Kirsty Eddis. They doubled their advantage in the 9th minute through a Nicola Tucker rebound after Eddis had done well to keep out an initial effort from Jessica Kavanagh. After the break Tucker bagged two more goals to complete the Welsh victory and round off a fine individual performance.

The following day Larne Tech. OB was the venue for the second group game with Scotland who themselves tasted defeat in their opening game. With all to play for both sides produced a lively, entertaining affair although the Scots did enjoy the lions share of possession. However Northern Ireland defended well throughout before being finally breached two minutes short of the hour by Ruesha Littlejohn strike. Then, six minutes later, the same player sealed the victory with a well executed volley although Alex Ogle did come close to reducing the arrears soon after only to be denied by keeper Leigh Alexander.

The tournament concluded on Saturday, 30th April back at The Showgrounds in front of a large crowd at Wakehurst FC's pitch. Lying in wait were group leaders Republic of Ireland but, undaunted by their two previous reversals, Stephen Graham's girls turned in arguably their most accomplished performance of the week. Indeed, the midfield controlled the first quarter of the game resulting in efforts from Amy McAllister and Tanny Mount which worried the previous untroubled Republic defence.
At the other end keeper Kirsty Eddis was having the game of her life pulling off a number of outstanding saves to deny Julie-Ann Russell and Ann-Marie Healey. She was helpless, however, on 28 minutes to keep out Sinead Cullen's well taken long range right foot blast. Northern Ireland hit back just before the break with two shots in quick succession from the impressive Alex Ogle but, unfortunately, the keeper was equal to the challenge. The second half was fought largely in midfield with both sides showing some nice touches but ultimately lacking the killer instinct in front of goal. Unfortunately for Northern Ireland they conceded a second goal eleven minutes from time. The Republic won a free-kick in a seemingly harmless position some 40 yards from goal but somehow Niamh Mulcahy's strike sneaked in just under the crossbar.