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Tuesday, April 21, 2026

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Northern Ireland U19 retain status after draw

Northern Ireland’s Women’s Under-19 team retained their League A status by drawing against Hungary in a Euro qualifier played in Portugal.

Women’s Under-19s boss Gail Redmond made three changes to the team that started the 3-0 defeat to Spain in Northern Ireland’s second game in the second stage of qualifiers for UEFA WU19 Euro 2026. For the match against the Hungarians, who like Northern Ireland were beaten by Spain and Portugal in their first two games in the four-team League A Group 7 mini tournament, defender Daisy Conway, midfielder Darcie McNeill and attacker Rhianna Breen came in to the starting eleven. Defenders Tara Kerr and Zoe Knox along with midfielder Niamh Hassan dropped to the bench.

Hungary, who needed to win the game to stay in League A for stage one of the next edition of the UEFA WU19 European Championship, started strongly. Daisy Conway produced a good clearance before Hungary attackers Melissza Szabo and Olivia Pethe had efforts blocked.

Emily Cassap and Gracie Conway linked well to create an opportunity but it was snuffed out. Szabo steered a shot wide before Northern Ireland keeper Kate Smith saved an attempt by Hungary captain Sara Szarvas. The Hungarians continued to push forward. Pethe sent another effort wide before Szabo missed the target and had a shot blocked.

Just before the break Smith was called into action to thwart Pethe and fellow attacker Anna Turoczy.

Early in the second half, Northern Ireland substitute Lydia Thompson got on the end of a Niamh Boothroyd free kick and steered a header inches wide.

Hungary took the lead on 53 minutes when full back Panna Sagi’s delivery from a corner was tucked home by midfielder Vanda Hanasz from close range.

Gracie Conway fizzed a shot wide from the edge of the area and then Smith saved an attempt from Turoczy, while Hungary keeper Nikolett Kriszan kept out a Boothroyd strike.

Redmond’s side equalised on 67 minutes when substitute Niamh Hassan produced a superb cross which was steered into the net by Rhianna Breen.

Smith superbly saved an effort from substitute Petra Kovacs, while Turoczy hit the woodwork.

Hungary piled forward, however the Northern Ireland defence held firm. In added time substitute Bori Turi put an effort wide and also had an effort blocked.

The draw meant Northern Ireland, who had a better goal difference than Hungary going in to the game, retained their League A status for the next edition of the competition.

Hungary Under-19: Nikolett Kriszan, Sara Arvay, Panna Sagi, Dora Jakri, Petra Nyul, Sara Szarvas, Julianna Brekovszki, Vanda Hanasz, Melissza Szabo, Anna Turoczy, Olivia Pethe. Subs: Victoria Vinals, Bori Turi, Petra Kovacs, Maja Spilenberg, Nora Mate, Lilien Borzak, Eszter Ersek.

Northern Ireland Under-19: Kate Smith, Ellen Hampton, Zara Boyd, Daisy Conway, Anastasija Stanite, Emily Cassap, Darcie McNeill, Clodagh Maguire, Gracie Conway, Niamh Boothroyd, Rhianna Breen. SubsNiamh Hassan, Lydia Thompson, Lucy Kelly, Lily Jeffery, Zoe Knox, Lillie Horner, Mia Reilly, Tara Kerr, Jessica McGuinness.

(irishfa.com)