AMY BOYLE CARR and Tyler Toland played as the Republic of Ireland Schools Under-15’s select secured another valuable victory this afternoon in the Bob Docherty Tournament.
The 3-1 win came at Dragon Park when they faced neighbours Northern Ireland in the second outing of their campaign, following on from yesterday’s 5-0 success over Wales when both Carr and Toland were on target.
Photo caption: Amy Boyle-Carr and Tyler Toland were in action for the Republic of Ireland Under-15 side against Northern Ireland today
Carr attends St Columba’s Comprehensive School in Glenties, while Toland, from St Johnston, is at Deele College in Raphoe. Maureen O’Donnell from Termon is on the management team.
Northern Ireland enjoyed the brighter start to proceedings with plenty of possession but the Northerners didn’t trouble Ballincollig CS netminder Maria O’Sullivan too much between the sticks.
Isibéal Carolan combined well with Carr in the early exchanges but the Glenties native’s attempt was just wide of the mark.
The Donegal duo played their part in the opening goal.
A piercing through ball from Toland was initially aimed Carr but the Northern Ireland goalkeeper intercepted this passage of play. Her clearance fell to Louise Masterson who slotted coolly from distance.
Masterson got her second of the afternoon seven minutes from the interval as Lucia Labato placed a beautifully weighted pass into her direction. The Rathcoole lady brushed off the imposing defender to slot home ensuring a slight advantage for Counihan.
The Northern Ireland contingency played a lot better in the second period enjoying a spelling of good possession. Their hard work was rewarded with a fine goal. A free kick was awarded to the North and Megan Bell followed in with a clever delivery to take the game to 2-1 with 15 minutes remaining.
Boyle Carr’s through ball to Carolan led to a magnificent finish from the young Rush student to ensure a peach of a goal to wrap up proceedings.
The contest is still wide open as Wales (’02) will take on the reigning Champions Scotland in Newport Stadium this evening in the other group game. This game will kick off at 5pm.
The Republic of Ireland will have a rest day tomorrow while Wales (01) and Northern Ireland face off on Sunday morning at 12 noon in Dragon Park. The other group sees top dogs Scotland up against an experienced England side on Sunday at 2pm in the same venue.
