As Expected Spain Came out Like Bulls. They Pressed Ireland High from the Very Beginning

U18 Girls

Ireland 2

Spain 4

As expected Spain came out like bulls. They pressed Ireland high from the very beginning, resulting in much difficulty for Irelands outlet. Despite the persistent pressure Caitlin Sherin and Caoimhe Perdue remained cool, calm and collected while transferring the ball around the back four with Issy Delamer and Grace McLoughlin. Constant pressure from the Spanish resulted in a short corner. The Spanish converted from a well placed drag flick. Spain was then awarded a penalty stroke from what looked like a great stop on the line from Sophie Thomas, they converted the stroke placing them in a 2-0 lead. Just before the half time hooter the Spanish once again converted from a well practiced short corner. At half time the Irish girls were unhappy with their lack of outcomes and wanted to come out stronger and prove to the Spanish that they could match their play. And boy oh boy did they do just that! Ireland had a large majority of the possession in the third quarter and kept it in the Spanish defensive half throughout. Katie Fearon’s perfect passes aided Ireland on their road to redemption. The Spanish were run raggid. Eventually Ireland’s hard work paid off and after many circle entries Michelle Carey scores a cracker of a goal. An unfortunate counter attack by the Spanish resulted in a short corner which they scored making it 4-1. With 10 minutes on the clock, Ireland weren’t going to hold back deciding to take off the goalie and make the one and only Katie Fearon the kicking back. Attack after attack by the Irish led to another goal which was scored by the skillful and speedy Yasmin Pratt. The Spanish were rhubarbed and Ireland had done themselves proud to come back from 3-0 to 4-2. The man of the match was awarded to Jade Arundell for her majestic saves.