Amy Boyle Carr struck the only goal of the game as the Republic of Ireland Women’s Under-17s defeated Azerbaijan to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the 2018 UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship with a 1-0 win over Azerbaijan.
After a 2-1 loss to Iceland in their first match, Colin Bell’s side knew a win was needed if the side was to have any chance of qualifying for May’s tournament in Lithuania.
Boyle Carr’s (pictured above) strike in the early stages of the second half was the only goal of the game, that ensured Ireland a valuable three points.
St Johnston’s Tyler Toland and Glenties woman Boyle Carr both played the full game.
Speaking after the match, Head Coach Colin Bell said his side were full value for the win.
He said: ”It was important to win the match after the Iceland defeat. The girls were a little nervous in the first-half. We tried to settle them down at half-time and looked far better in the second-half.
“Amy found herself in a good space and shot past the Azerbaijani goalkeeper into the bottom corner. After that, we had chances to score a second. Azerbaijan only had one chance near the end of the game. The win was well deserved.”
The team play their final match on Wednesday morning against reigning champions Germany. That game kicks off a 11am Irish time.
Republic of Ireland: Rachael Kelly, Zara Foley, Aoife Slattery, Doireann Fahey, Eabha O’Mahony; Jessica Ziu, Tyler Toland, Amy Boyle Carr; Louise Masterson (Andrea Trill 41), Emily Whelan, Isibeal Atkinson (capt)
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