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Tuesday, December 2, 2025

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Last gasp agony for Northern Ireland Under-19s

Northern Ireland’s Women’s Under-19 team were hit by a Swiss sucker punch, five minutes into added time in the second half, in their Euro qualifier played in Italy.

This week, and next week, Northern Ireland’s Women’s Under-19 team are in Italy competing in League A in the first stage of qualifiers for UEFA WU19 Euro 2026. They are facing Italy, Switzerland and Belarus in Group A6.

For their second game in the group, Women’s Under-19 boss Gail Redmond made four changes to the 11 that started the defeat to Italy in game one in the mini tournament. Kate Smith replaced Abbie Smith in goal, while Zara Boyd, Zoe Knox and Lucy Kelly came in for Lillie Horner, Mia Moore and Clodagh Maguire.

Switzerland forced a series of corners at the start of the game but none of them led to attempts on goal – and the Northern Ireland defence held firm. Swiss striker Alyssa Keller produced a shot on 15 minutes which was comfortably saved by Kate Smith.

On 22 minutes Northern Ireland captain Darcie McNeill won the ball back and slipped it to striker Gracie Conway, who cut inside before unleashing a shot which went inches over the bar.

Smith made three saves in quick succession. Firstly, she repelled attacker Emilie Mece in a one v one and then kept out efforts from Keller and Switzerland captain Giulia Looser.

On 35 minutes Niamh Boothroyd tested Swiss keeper Yara Zwyssig with a well-struck shot.

In the closing stages of the half Smith saved efforts from Looser and fellow midfielder Andrea Schenk, while the Northern Ireland defence blocked a series of shots.

Northern Ireland had the first decent chance of the second period. Boothroyd played a one-two with Gracie Conway before letting fly, however the Swiss keeper was equal to her strike.

Switzerland took the lead on 56 minutes. Defender Lia Ammann’s long ball over the top found substitute Tiffany Vonnez and she swept the ball home.

Rhianna Breen’s shot from distance was saved by the Swiss keeper. Then Conway took the ball round Zwyssig before shooting wide.

On 74 minutes Smith produced another smart stop, this time in a one-on-one with Swiss sub Rahel Hinder.

Northern Ireland drew level 10 minutes later when sub Jessica McGuinness unleashed a shot from 40 yards which dropped over the keeper’s head and into the net. It was an excellent finish.

In added time, Smith kept out efforts from Hinder and Keller before Switzerland landed the sucker punch five minutes into added time. Ammann ran to the bye-line and fed the ball back to Hinder who smashed it into the net from close range.

Northern Ireland’s final A6 game is against Belarus on Tuesday (2 December) at Davide Astori Viola Park in Florence (2pm GMT), the main city in the Tuscany region. Redmond’s team will have to win that one if they are to stay in League A for stage two of the qualifiers next spring. Belarus have also lost their two opening games, however they have a much better goal difference than Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland WU19s: Kate Smith, Zara Boyd, Tara Kerr, Anastasija Stanite, Ellen Hampton, Darcie McNeill (captain), Rhianna Breen, Niamh Boothroyd, Gracie Conway, Lucy Kelly, Zara Knox. Subs: Mia Reilly, Clodagh Maguire, Jessica McGuinness, Eva Myles, Lillie Horner, Abbie Smith, Daisy Conway, Mia Moore, Laura Dowey.

(irishfa.com)