Late strike gives Ireland’s U-19 women famous win over England

Rep of Ireland 2 England 1

A late winner from substitute Keeva Keenan put Dave Connell’s Republic of Ireland under-19 women’s side within touching distance of the Uefa European Championship semi-finals in Oslo tonight.

Unlucky to be trailing to England at the break at Mjondalen stadium, the Irish displayed similar battling qualities to those shown in the opening day win over Spain to collect another three points.

Defender Savannah McCarthy cancelled out Claudia Walker’s opener on 57 minutes, before Keenan headed in the winner four minutes from the end.

Victory gives Ireland outright leadership of Group B heading into Monday’s concluding match in the pool against Sweden, who lost 2-0 to Spain in the other group match tonight.

For Ireland to be denied a semi-final spot in the final day’s fixtures Sweden must beat them by two goals and Spain register a win against England.

“We’re not there yet, but the girls are top of a group that nobody gave us a chance in beforehand,” said Connell.

Pure character

“Pure character got them over the line tonight because against a technically good England side we didn’t play as well as we could in the first half.

“There was a huge improvement in the second half, and we got the goals from two of our 17-year-olds. It was the least their endeavours deserved.”

England, reeling from an opening day loss to Sweden, caught Ireland flat-footed in the Norwegian heat to go ahead nine minutes before the break. Liverpool’s Claudia Walker eluded her marker to nod past Brooke Dunne following Millie Turner’s pinpoint delivery.

Connell could take encouragement from the chances created by his side in that opening 45 minutes, especially two that fell for Clare Shine, but they carried a more clinical edge after the break.

Once Kerry teen McCarthy equalised with a thumping header courtesy of Megan Connolly’s cross, Ireland looked capable of scoring more.

Keenan’s introduction for her first appearance of the finals with 20 minutes left would be crucial as her accuracy in the air from another Connolly free-kick assist grabbed the winning goal.

When news of Spain’s victory filtered through from Jessheim, it stalled any prospective Ireland celebrations. Although avoiding defeat against the Swedes will suffice, Connell asserted: “We don’t play for draws.”