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England’s retention bid begins with shootout win against the Republic of Ireland

England 2

Pike 4, Warner 16

Republic of Ireland 2

Doyle 27, 41
  • England win 3-2 on penalties
  • Monday, 06 April 2015
  • Toryglen
  • 15's Girls
  • Bob Docherty Cup

Alasdair Hooper | YFS Dundee Senior Reporter
Author's Bio | Articles by Author | [email protected]
England’s bid to retain the Bob Docherty Cup began with a thrilling game against the Republic of Ireland. First half goals from England duo Molly Pike and Phoebe Warner saw them go into the half time break 2-0 up. The Republic of Ireland, however, launched an incredible fight back with Sadhbh Doyle scoring a double to see the game finish 2-2. England won the resulting penalty shootout 3-2 thanks to heroics from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. The result leaves England with two points and the Republic of Ireland with one point after their first game.
 
England performed excellently in the first half with right midfielder, Molly Pike, the stand out. After causing the Republic of Ireland defence plenty of problems right from the start, she had the honour of scoring England’s opening goal four minutes in. Bronwen Thomas played a delightful through ball into the penalty area that was weighted perfectly for the England number 17. Without having to break her stride Pike neatly side footed the ball into the top right hand corner of the net. England could not have wished for a better start.
 
Despite the English pressure the Republic of Ireland nearly equalized soon afterwards. The ball fell to Katie Bolger Burdis inside the penalty area but she fired her shot wide of the target.
 
In the eighth minute of the game England threatened again through Pike. After another great run down the right wing she unleashed a fierce shot towards goal. Irish goalkeeper, Rachel Baynes, was positioned well and expertly caught the ball to smother the chances of any further danger.
 
16 minutes into the game England found themselves 2-0 up. Miri Taylor, on the left flank, regained possession of the ball superbly high up the field. She then drove straight towards the byline and drilled a low cross into the six-yard area. Arriving to meet the cross was England’s Phoebe Warner, who converted excellently.
 
With a few more half chances for the remainder of the first half England appeared to be in a great position at the break.
  • Half Time:
  • England
  • 2-0
  • Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland came out in the second half all guns blazing. This renewed urgency bared fruit almost instantly courtesy of their inspirational captain Sadhbh Doyle.  The Irish were awarded a free kick just outside of the penalty area and Doyle stepped up to take it, with spectacular results. The number 12 delightfully curled the ball over the England wall and into the top left hand corner of the net. The Republic of Ireland were very much back in the game.
 
The girls in green continued to play out the second half at a far higher tempo than they had played the first and, in the 41st minute of the game, they scored their equalizing goal. Meghan Hengerer delivered a corner kick straight into the penalty area and, following a couple of ricochet’s, the ball fell to the feet of Doyle once more. The Irish captain dispatched her powerful shot flawlessly to see her team level the score at two apiece.
 
Katie Bolger Burdis attempted to grab an Irish third as she took a strike at goal under pressure on the edge of the 18-yard box. England’s Hannah Hampton was able to claim the ball without too much trouble.
 
The last attempt at goal in normal time fell the way of Pike for England. From about 25 yards out the wide midfielder attempted to find a winning goal with a long-range shot. Unfortunately for her the effort went well wide of the target.
 
The final whistle went shortly afterwards to conclude the game and both teams gained a point from the 2-2 draw. A penalty shootout would now determine who would get the remaining point on offer. 
  • Full Time:
  • England
  • 2-2
  • Republic of Ireland
The first player to step up to the penalty spot was England captain Niamh Cashin. The number 6’s effort, however, went a touch too high and clipped the crossbar before going over.

Looking to take advantage for the Republic of Ireland was Jenny Myler. Her shot was aimed straight down the middle but she was denied by the legs of Hampton. After the two penalties the score remained 0-0.

Miri Tyler was next up for England, confident from her assist earlier in the game. She expertly slotted the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the net with a strong and powerful finish.

Niamh Coombes looked to respond for the Republic of Ireland and she did so successfully. She kept her composure fantastically and side footed the ball into the bottom right hand corner with a calm finish.

Poppy Pattinson stepped up to take England’s third penalty. With a short run up she wonderfully placed her shot into the top left of the goal leaving Rachel Baynes with no chance.

It was then Michelle O’Driscoll’s turn for the Republic of Ireland. With another neat finish she side footed the ball effortlessly into the bottom right of the net to make it 2-2 in the shootout.

It was then the turn of Molly Pike for England. To her despair her penalty was saved brilliantly by Baynes. The Irish keeper dived well to her right and parried the ball onto the post and away from the goal. It was advantage to the Republic of Ireland once again.

Katie Bolger Burdis was the next up for the Irish looking to put them 3-2 up. In a similar vain to her teammates previous efforts she looked to side foot her penalty neatly into the bottom right corner. Unfortunately, this time, the penalty was too far wide and it hit the woodwork.

Bronwen Thomas stepped up to take England’s fifth penalty. She neatly placed her effort low into the right of the net to make the score 3-2.

Stepping up to take the penalty with the most pressure was Meghan Hengerer knowing that a miss would be the end of it. Unfortunately for her Hampton read her shot perfectly and dived to make the save. The cheers rang out from the England team as they grabbed the extra point on offer.

Both teams played out a hugely exciting affair and the quality on show was great to see. No doubt the remainder of this tournament will be a great spectacle and experience for all involved.

Youth Football Scotland: Website Photos &emdash;

Final Result: England win 3-2 on penalties

Lineups

England
Republic of Ireland
1. Hannah Hampton
2. Anna King
3. Maddie Brant
4. Olivia Smith
5. Katherine Turner
6. Niamh Cashin
7. Sophie Charlton
8. Libby Smith
9. Phoebe Warner
10. Ava Kuyken
11. Bronwen Thomas
12. Mia Parry
13. Jenny Myler
14. Poppy Pattinson
15. Amelia Hazard
16. Maddie Phillips
17. Molly Pike
18. Miri Taylor
1. Rachel Baynes
2. Tara Mannix
3. Amy Boyle Carr
4. Tyler Toland
5. Courtney Histon
6. Niamh Coombes
7. Louise Masterton
8. Tiegan Ruddy
9. Bethany Carroll
10. Meghan Hengerer
11. Aoife Lynagh
12. Sadhbh Doyle
13. Heather Payne
14. Ciara Maher
15. Katie Bolger Burdis
16. Erica Turner
17. Tara Mary Cully
18. Michelle O’Driscoll
Star Player
England
Republic of Ireland
Molly Pike – Was electric on the right flank, particularly in the first half. Scored a great goal as well.
Sadhbh Doyle – The epitome of inspirational captain. Fired up her team with her communication and passion but also with her play. Two goals isn’t too shabby at all is it?
Magic Moment
England
Republic of Ireland
Molly Pike’s goal – A superb, no-nonsense, finish and a brilliant assist. Set the tone for the game.
Sadhb Doyle’s first goal – Has to be doesn’t? A superbly executed free kick to see her side back in the game.
  • Match report and photos copyright Youth Football Scotland.
Published in National Teams
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