Limerick teenager on target as Rep of Ireland U15s ease past Scotland in Bob Docherty Cup

A LIMERICK teenager netted a crucial goal as the Republic of Ireland U15 side enjoyed a hard fought 2-1 opening day victory over reigning Champions Scotland in the SAFIB Bob Docherty Cup, Under 15 Girls’ International Tournament in Athlone Town AFC on Monday.

Eva Loftus, of Laurel Hill Colaiste, scored a precious second half winner as the Republic of Ireland U15 side, captained by another Limerick teenager, Madison McGuane, of Ardscoil Mhuire, Corbally, got their tournament off to a winning start.

In a closely contested opener to the four day series, it was Republic of Ireland forward Anna McGough who scored a rocket from the edge of the box to break the deadlock in the Midlands venue.

The goal coming just after the midway point in the first period as Lara Darraghan, of Loreto, Abbey, Dalkey played a delightful ball to her feet for the Claregalway student to slot past the keeper’s far post and rifle into the bottom corner.

The hosts enjoyed this slender lead at the interval.

There was a few substitutions at half time as one of them, Eva Loftus, of Laurel Hill Coláiste, popped up to net the second, direct from a corner kick on 44 minutes.

Scotland were determined to get something from the game and they were rewarded with a goal three minutes into added time as May Cruft converted at the back post following a well delivered corner.

The final whistle came shortly after to make it 2-1 to Richard Berkeley’s side.

The Republic of Ireland will face England in the second of today, Tuesday, fixtures kicking off at 5pm in Athlone. The players will contest the John Read Cup in this fixture as it’s an annual event between the two Nations.

England are current holders having defeated Ireland on penalties (6-5) following a 1-1 draw last season.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND | Sarah Doyle, Karla Moore, Keelin Comiskey, Isabella Talotti, Kaitlyn Delahunty, Lara Dallaghan, Madison McGuane (Capt), Sarah Reynolds, Sophie Byrne, Mia Murtagh, Anna McGough. SUBS USED | Eva Loftus for Reynolds (HT), Kassie McLoughlin for Moore (HT), Ciara Milton for McGough (42) Abbie Duffy for Byrne (55). SUBS NOT USED | Lucy Doyle Farrington, Maisie Quinn, Molly Kirwan.

SCOTLAND | Morgan McCroary, Abby Hayes, Iona Watt, Sky Murtagh, Caitlin Martin, Lily Boyce ©, Phoebe O’Donnell, Oluwadara Ositelu, May Cruft, Orla Burn, Ava Crawford. SUBS USED | Erin O’Brien for Ositelu (HT), Amelie Chomczuk for O’Donnell (42). SUBS NOT USED | Alex Reid, Erin Gilvear, Lucy Stevenson, Ava Allison, Milissa Regmi

MATCH OFFICIAL | Ray Conlon (Midlands)