Republic of Ireland sit top of the table
The Republic of Ireland team, including Ciara Milton (St Leo's College) which sits top of the Bob Docherty Cup U/15 Girls International tournament table
THE Republic of Ireland U/15 girls’ team sit top of the table after two game in the Bob Docherty Cup U/15 Girls’ International tournament. Central to the two wins, over England and Scotland, was the performance of Killeshin’s Ciara Milton who is captaining the side.
One Monday Ireland beat England 2-1 with the goals coming from Lily McLaughlin (12)and Toni Campbell (15). Richard Berkeley’s side defeated the current holders which also doubles up for the annual John Read Trophy. Traditionally it would have been a stand-alone fixture, but it’s merged into the tournament in recent years. England were also winners of that silverware following win over the Irish in Athlone last season.
The Republic were enjoying much of the possession in the opening stages of the game with team captain Ciara Milton (St. Leo’s College, Carlow) unlucky with handful of goalscoring opportunities early.
Holding a 2-1 lead at the break the Republic had to withstand England who were impressive in the opening exchanges of the second half. England finally grabbed a goal back twenty minutes into the new half.
It was a nervous final quarter for Berkeley’s charges as they needed to see the game out. Despite England’s best efforts they couldn’t negotiate an equaliser, and the Republic claimed a vital win.
Yesterday, the Republic made it two wins from two as they overcame a hardworking Scotland side while later England and Northern Ireland played out a goalless draw.
With three games in four days, head coach Richard Berkeley made five changes to the team that defeated England 2-1.
Ireland scored either side of the half with Abbie Duffy converting a sublime individual effort midway through the first half while the Maisy Healy grabbed a sensational second six minutes into the restart.
The Republic of Ireland impressed throughout the park with Milton [putting ina captain’s performance before being replaced. The win was a brilliant team effort from all involved as the momentum is building nicely for tomorrow’s (Thursday) conclusion.
The Republic of Ireland are positioned well on six points and a draw against Northern Ireland would be enough to lift the title. They’ve already met this season with Berkeley’s troops winning 3-1 in an entertaining friendly match last month.
Scotland sit in second place on three points while hosts, Northern Ireland and England have a point apiece.
Today is a rest day and tomorrow morning will see the Republic of Ireland take on Northern Ireland and England will play Scotland with both games kicking off at 10.30am.
