Amanda mcquillan in fine form in serbia

Amanda McQuillan from Johnstown, Navan helped the Republic of Ireland to a winning start in their UEFA European U17 Women’s Championship qualifying tournament in Serbia with a 2-0 victory against Lithuania.

Goals in either half from Sarah McKevitt and Jamie Finn ensured victory for Dave Connell’s side and, with hosts Serbia and Romania drawing in the other Group 4 game, it means that Ireland can secure qualification for the Elite Phase if they beat Romania tomorrow.

“We certainly created enough changes to have won by more,” said Connell.

“A lot of the efforts were straight at the keeper and would probably have found the net if the girls had shown a little more composure in front of goal.

'However, that’s something that we can work on. For a lot of the girls this was their first taste of competitive international football so it was a big step for them and they did very well. 

“There has been a lot of rain here and the pitch was very heavy underfoot so that  didn’t help but we created a lot of chances, kept a clean sheet and won the game so we achieved what we set out to do.”

After taking the lead Ireland had plenty of chances to extend their lead but failed to beat Lithuania goalkeeper Aušra KleveÄkaitÄ— and then needed skipper and ‘keeper Amanda McQuillan to be at her best to keep out a free-kick from Evelina BuividaviÄiÅ«tÄ— in added on time at the end of the first half.

Two Irish players, Saoirse Noonan (calf) and Evelyn Daly (ankle) picked up knocks and are doubtful for Sunday’s second group game against Romania.

 

Republic of Ireland:  Amanda McQuillan (GK); Niamh Prior, Courtney Higgins, Jamie Finn (C), Chloe Moloney, Evelyn Daly, Sarah McKevitt, Saorise Noonan (Aislinn Meaney 71), Eleanor Doyle (Danielle Murray 58), Dearbhaile Beirne (Fiona Donnolly 76), Lauryn O'Callaghan. Unused: Subs: Nadine Maher (GK), Niamh Farrelly, Lucy McCarton, Sophie Watters.

RESULTS

Friday, October 17

Republic of Ireland 2 Lithuania 0,

Serbia 1 Romania 1

 FIXTURES

Sunday, October 19

Republic of Ireland v Romania, Backa, Subotica (SRB), 1pm (Irish time)

Lithuania v Serbia, Gradski, Subotica (SRB), 1pm (Irish time)

Wednesday, October 22

Romania v Lithuania, Gradski, Subotica (SRB), 1pm (Irish time)

Serbia v Republic of Ireland, Backa, Subotica (SRB), 1pm (Irish time)