Ireland off to flyer after twin first-half strikes

Republic of Ireland 2 England 0: First-half goals from Eleanor Ryan-Doyle and Saoirse Noonan got the Republic of Ireland off to a winning start in the elite qualifying round of the UEFA Women’s U17 Championships at Turner’s Cross last night.

With just one team to qualify from the four-team group , the hosts knew that a good start was vital.

The visitors began the game on top, but once Ireland settled, they showed themselves to be well able to compete. The opening goal arrived after 14 minutes as Roma McLaughlin found Ryan-Doyle, who turned Grace Fisk and then slotted a low shot past Sian Rogers.