2013 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS QUALIFIER Rep of Ireland 1 France 3:THE CLASS of France eventually proved too much for the Republic of Ireland women's team last night at Turner's Cross.
Sue Ronan’s side had coped admirably with the threat posed by the top seeds in their European Championship qualifying group yet there was a degree of inevitability about the breakthrough from the visitors on 62 minutes as Louisa Necib opened the scoring with a well-taken finish.
Ireland were hit with a second eight minutes later through French substitute Marie-Laure Delie. And the game was put beyond the home side on 74 minutes when another substitute, Eugenie Le Sommer, netted a third.
Aine O’Gorman gave the home faithful something to cheer about deep into stoppage time with a well-deserved goal.
With second spot guaranteeing a play-off shot at reaching the finals, victory in their next qualifier over Israel at Tallaght Stadium on October 22nd is a must. Ireland began their campaign last Saturday with three points by beating Wales 2-0 in Newport. France have six points from their two games.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Byrne (Arsenal); De Burca (Boston Aztec), Quinn (Peamount), Tracy (Arsenal), Campbell (Raheny United); Grant (Arsenal), Fahey (Arsenal), Curtin (Kilmallock); OGorman (Doncaster Belles), Fiona O'Sullivan (Pitea IF), Smyth (Amazon Grimstad).
