Connolly brace sinks Danes in U17 clash
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College Corinthians striker Megan Connolly scored twice as the Republic of Ireland U17 Women’s team beat Denmark 2-0 this afternoon at Frank Cooke Park, Dublin, in the first game of their double header friendly this week.
The sides will meet again on Thursday in Frank Cooke Park at 2pm.
Connolly first struck in the 25th minute when she finished off a good passing movement by beating the Danish goalkeeper Naja Bahrenscheer to the ball and chipping it over the committed keeper into the net.
Her second came midway through the second half when she latched on to a ball played over the top and cut inside before unleashing a sizzling shot into the bottom corner of the net.
Manager Dave Connell was delighted with the performance and the result.
“It was very good scalp to get. Denmark are a big name and this was a very good victory for us,” said Connell.
“We put a lot of work in over the weekend on our style and shape and it was great to see today that the girls had taken all that on board and taken it into the game.”
Connell lost the services of Wilton United’s Amy O’Connor (upset stomach) and Forth Celtic’s Ciara Rossiter(calf strain) before the game but hopes Rossiter will be fit to play in Thursday’s second game while Peamount United goalkeeper Amy Corcoran, who was unused substitute today, is likely to take over from Douglas Hall net-minder Chelsea Noonan in goal.
This week’s two games are part of the squad’s preparations for next month’s UEFA Women’s U17 Qualification tournament in Georgia when Ireland will face Finland and Belarus as well as the hosts.
Republic of Ireland: Chelsea Noonan (Douglas Hall), Keeva Keenan (WFTA), Savannah McCarthy (Listowel Celtic), Payton Goulding (Minnesota Thunder), Rebekah Carroll, (Peamount United), Lisa Casserly (Colga FC), Aisling Frawley (Tramore FC), Megan Lawlor (Chelsea Match Fit), Amber Barrett Lagan Harps), Megan Connolly (College Corinthians), Ciara McNamara (St Mary’s Cork).
Used Subs: Orla Martin (New York Magic), Megan Kelliher (Kilmallock FC), Kaitlyn McNamara (World Class FC), Eleanor Stafford Salthill Devon), Sara McGeogh (Yeats United), Sarah Jane McDonald (Greencastle FC).
Unused Sub: Amy Corcoran (Peamount United).
Denmark: Bahrenscheer, Larsen, Sevecke, Ringsing, Wichmann, Sorensen, Dyrehauge, Madsen, Jensen, Kildermoes, Henriksen. Subs: Knudsen, Pedersen, Dybdahl, Andersen, Jessen, Hansen, Boysen.
