DONEGAL DUO Amy Boyle-Carr and Tyler Toland were part of the Republic of Ireland Under-15 girls team who narrowly lost the final of the Inspiresport Bob Docherty Tournament in Wales today.
Republic of Ireland 0-1 England
Boyle-Carr from Glenties and Toland, who is a native of St Johnston, was on the mark for the Girls in Green in the group stage of the competition against Wales and had fine tournaments.
Maureen O’Donnell from Termon, who teaches at Deele College, Raphoe, was part of the management team.
Today, a well-rehearsed English move eight minutes into the second period saw Holly Manders come off the bench to smash an unstoppable volley crashing past Rachel Kelly in the Republic of Ireland goal.
Manders finished off an excellent Sophie Quirk left wing cross which proved crucial in this crunch encounter.
England had settled comfortably into the game, putting Lorraine Counihan’s crew on the back foot. Stout defensive work limited the scoring opportunities but it required a full length save from Raheny student Rachel Kelly to keep out a powerful Lucy Egan header.
Dominican College starlet Lucia Lobato had to be at her composed best as half time saw the sides troop off scoreless
The Irish ladies picked up their performance in the second half particularly following the English breakthrough goal, playing the game further up the field and threatening to find an equalizer. However a competent English defence dealt with anything the Irish could muster, clearing their lines with efficiency.
Despite the numerical advantage, England’s Lucy Johnson received a second yellow and subsequent red which marred the game a little for the Lionesses. The Republic of Ireland were unfortunate not to equalize at the death and had to settle for a third consecutive runners up spot in this competition.
Republic of Ireland: Rachel Kelly, Eabha O’Mahony, Aoife Lynagh, Meghen Hengerer, Lucia Lobato, Isibéal Carolan, Louise Masterson, Tyler Toland, Leah McHugh, Alannah McEvoy, Amy Boyle Carr. Subs: Sinead Donovan for McHugh (half-time).
England: Olivia Clark, Charlotte Fleming, Lucy Johnson, Ellie Hack (Captain), Asmita Ale, Lucy Egan, Maya Le Tissier, Katie Robinson, Jodie Hutton Sophie Quirk, Libby Smith. Subs: Holly Manders for Robinson (32), Claudi Zahui for Smith (63).
