Amber Barrett and Tyler Toland made their first starts for the Irish women’s national team in a fine 2-0 away win at Slovakia in a 2019 World Cup qualifier
Milford’s Barrett and St Johnston teenager Toland were rewarded for good form while Roma McLaughlin – back from suspension – came on as a late substitute as the Girls in Green recorded an excellent win in Senec.
Barrett and Toland both made their debuts as substitutes in a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland at Mourneview Park last month and were elevated to the starting XI here by manager Colin Bell.
For Toland, it was the latest string to an ever-growing bow as she got the full 90 minutes under her belt.
The 16-year-old St Johnston woman had become Ireland’s youngest senior international when she played against Northern Ireland and Bell’s trust and faith in the midfielder was evident as he handed her a starting berth.
The Irish took the lead when Denise O’Sullivan, who converted after a cross from Katie McCabe on the visitors’ first attack.
The lead was doubled when, after Sophie Perry crossed for Barrett, McCabe latched onto the loose ball and finished.
Barrett, after a superb shift up front, took a knock in the 76th minute and was replaced by Ruesha Littlejohn.
Ten minutes from time, Littlejohn saw a penalty saved by the Slovakia ‘keeper after she had been fouled in the area.
