Spanish fight back denies Irish U19’s victory

THE Republic of Ireland U19 women’s side started their second round UEFA qualification campaign with a 2-2 draw with Spain in Lucena, Spain yesterday.

Irish Examiner Junior Sports star award-winner Kasey O’Driscoll scored the opener after 28 minutes. On 43 minutes Selena Moylan put in what looked like a speculative cross, but Edel Malone rose high above the Spanish defence to score Ireland’s second.

However Adriana Martin and Pablos pounced for second-half goals to tie the affair.

Manager Susan Ronan said: “The main thing is we’re still in the competition and will get confidence from this result. For some reason, we have traditionally started with a poor result in the first game, but have gone on to qualify, so all is not lost.”

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Janine Pepper (Dundalk City), Eilis Nevin (Kiltimagh/Knock), Susan Byrne (St James Gate), Marie Curtin (Lifford), Niamh Fahey (Salthill-Devon), Edel Malone (Lifford), Selena Moylan (Lifford), Jackie Shiels (Eureka United), Katie Taylor (St James Gate), Sara Lawlor (Peamount Utd), Kacey O’Driscoll (Kerry). Subs: Kariena Richards (Midleton) for Nevin 14 mins, Carol Breen (Benfica) for Taylor 66mins, Susan Donovan (Ballincollig) for O’Driscoll 75 mins. Not Used: Carol Gunner (Evergreen), Karen Lilly (Kiltimagh/Knock), Aisling Toolan (Peamount Utd), Ciara Crinion (Peamount Utd).