Late penalty sees Roma McLaughlin and Irish U19s fall to defeat

A 95^th minute penalty by Scotland’s Erin Cuthbert meant defeat for Roma McLaughlin and the Republic of Ireland Women’s Under-19s in Limerick tonight.

In their first Elite Qualifier – from which they aim to qualify for this summer’s finals in Northern Ireland – at Markets Field, Ireland were hopeful of getting a positive result.

Against the run of play, Scotland struck the front after fourteen minutes. Kirsty Hanson showed quick feet when in possession inside the Ireland box to square for captain Erin Cuthbert.

The Chelsea Ladies star placed a beautiful effort beyond the reach of Amanda McQuillan to break the deadlock.

Ireland flew out of the blocks in the second half and got their richly-deserved equaliser after just five minutes.

A quickly taken free-kick afforded the chance to cross and when Scotland failed to clear the danger, Niamh Farrelly pounced from six yards to blast the ball into the roof of the net past Flaherty.

After an even second half, Scotland were awarded a penalty in the final minute of the game. Erin Cuthbert converted the spot kick to hand the victory to Gareth Evans’ team.

McLaughlin, from Greencastle, played the full game and the Girls in Green now face a big challenge ahead of games against Ukraine on Thursday and Finland on Sunday.