Irish Women’s U-19’s Grab a late draw against the Swiss

Susan Ronan’s side left it left to equalise but Susan Hackett’s goal earned them a well-deserved 1-1 draw this evening in the second of two friendly matches played this week against Switzerland at Home Farm FC, Whitehall.

Switzerland won the first game between the nations 2-0 on Tuesday and took the lead again with 20 minutes remaining against the run of play.

Ireland chased the game in the final stages and after going close to scoring on a couple of occasions, defender Hackett powered home a header from Grace Murray’s corner to make it 1-1 on the stroke of full-time.

It was the least that the display of Sue Ronan’s brave Irish team merited. This was Ireland’s final game in their preparation for next month’s second, elite qualifying stage of the UEFA Championship. Ireland will play Portugal, Netherlands and mini-group hosts France from 9 -14 April with only the group winner guaranteed a place at this summer’s Under-19 European Championship Finals.

After a scrappy first half where few chances were created at either end, the game opened up after the break with both sides searching for the goal to win the game.

Ireland were caught out by a Swiss attack on 65 minutes and had to work tirelessly in pursuit of the equaliser.

An ambitious lob from distance by Louise Quinn almost caught the visitors’ goalkeeper out but the effort sailed over the crossbar. Jennifer Critchley also carved out an opportunity to square up the game only to see her shot well handled by the ‘keeper.

Ireland’s persistence paid off in the final attack of the game and manager Sue Ronan was glad of Hackett’s late intervention.

“It would have been harsh on the team if they didn’t get something out of two games against Switzerland so I was delighted that Susan scored near the finish,” she said.

“We were the team making all the running in the game but couldn’t translate our possession into clear-cut chances. Overall, I was satisfied with how the Girls coped with quality opposition over the two games.

“I rested three of our first-choice players from tonight’s game because they are in the senior squad for the UEFA qualifier against Hungary on Sunday. We’re looking forward to the competitive games in two weeks’ time.”