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Bob Docherty Cup match report: England v Northern Ireland

England Under 15 Schoolgirls started their Bob Docherty campaign in style, beating Northern Ireland 4-0 at Cochrane Park in Newcastle. An Emily Cassap brace, along with goals from Mia Endacott and Niamh Boothroyd saw England to a comfortable win.

England started the game the stronger of the two sides, with a half-chance falling to Emily Cadell within the first ten minutes. Some smart defending from Ireland would see them clear the danger, but England had made an encouraging start to the game. Moments later the England pressure paid off, as Endacott set off on a winding run, she found Cassap in a yard of space. Cassap took a touch before firing into the top corner from long range and England’s early pressure had paid off.

England would continue to dominate the possession as they took control of the game. After 25 minutes a corner was flashed into the box with only a touch needed to send the ball goalward. However, it evaded everyone, and Northern Ireland remained just one goal behind.

As half time approached, England broke forward once again through Endacott who was finding space out wide. As she whipped a cross in, the ball dipped and nearly found its way into the back of the net, only for it to rattle the woodwork and the deficit remained at one goal.

England went into the half-time break a goal ahead and would question how they didn’t lead by more. The second half started as the first one finished, with England pushing to double their lead. Some clever play from Isobel Young down the left looked to have created an opening for the hosts, only for her cross to flash wide of the post.

England wouldn’t have it all their own way though, as Macey Conway found herself one on one with Ashleigh Ridsdel-Harrison in the England goal. However, her tame effort was easily saved by the England stopper. Ten minutes into the second half, England found their second as Taya Pomfret found Endacott in the box. Endacott kept her composure and rounded the goalkeeper before firing home to double the England lead.

It wouldn’t take long for England to make it three. An Amelia Freeman cross was only half cleared by the defence. The ball fell to Cassap on the edge of the area, who’s left footed effort found the back of the net for her second of the afternoon.

With 20 minutes left to play, neither side managed to fashion any chances, with England happy to control the ball. As the game entered its closing stages, England turned the screw once more. This time Cassap turned provider and found Boothroyd outside of the area. Her right footed effort looped over the Northern Ireland stopper and found the back of the net.

It was England’s fourth of the afternoon and it rounded off a brilliant performance in their Bob Docherty Cup opener.

Photo credits: 353 Photography

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