The England U15 Schoolgirls kicked off their SAFIB Bob Docherty Tournament campaign in Athlone Town, Ireland, with a fixture against their Northern Irish Counterparts.
With Ireland claiming a 2-1 victory over Scotland earlier in the day, it was important for the England U15 Schoolgirls to start the tournament strong in their fixture v Northern Ireland. England started the game well with Emily Giddings breaking free down the left, her cross was pulled back to Dolly Reynolds in the middle who fired her shot just over the bar.
England kept up the early pressure, dominating the ball in midfield, with every player getting a good feel for the game in the early stages. Rachel McPeak’s headed effort just missed the target in the 13th minute as a corner from Dolly Reynolds saw multiple England players queuing at the back post.
England took the lead in the 15th minute as Chloe Giddings was fouled taking on her marker and winning a penalty. Chloe stepped up to the spot and dispatched her spot kick, the power taking it past the touch from the goalkeeper. The rest of the half saw few chances for each side, with both defences on top for the remaining 15 minutes.
Northern Ireland came out strong in the second half, with their number 7 firing into the roof of the net from a tight angle, drawing the score level at 1-1.
Northern Ireland kept the pressure up on the England defence with keeper, Evie Mitchell being called into action to make a couple of great saves. The game saw chances at both ends before a climatic end to the tie; Chloe Giddings won her second penalty of the game after showing her quick feet in the box. Unfortunately the penalty was dragged just wide of the post with the last kick of the game.
The game then went to penalty kicks to decide who got the extra, bonus point in accord with SAFIB competition rules. England won the shootout to give them two points from their first Bob Docherty tournament fixture.
England play the Republic of Ireland at 5pm tomorrow in their next fixture at Athlone Town FC. Make sure to follow the ESFA on Instagram (@schoolsfootball) for all the match updates.
The National Governing Body for Schools’ Football in England.