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Thursday, September 24, 2026

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Northern Ireland and Wales draw second friendly

Northern Ireland’s Under-16s drew 2-2 with their Welsh counterparts in the second of two friendlies against Wales staged in Co Antrim this week.

Northern Ireland started brightly as the rain hammered down – and took the lead when Zion Donnan fired in a free kick which was slotted home by Lydia Devlin from close range. Then Gracey Livingston produced an excellent block as Wales threatened down the other end.

Lara Longridge saw a long range effort drift wide as Northern Ireland pushed for a second.

However, it was the Welsh who found the net next, Lily Perkins scoring just before the break with a fine strike from distance. On the stroke of half time, Devlin almost got on the scoresheet again but Welsh keeper Hattie Dawson did well to keep out her half volley.

Early in the second half, Northern Ireland substitute Leah Hepburn produced a brilliant finish to make it 2-1 to the girls in green and white. She smashed the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area.

Wales drew level again when substitute Lily Tyler’s shot from distance found the back of the net.

Northern Ireland almost snatched victory when Kelly Robinson blasted a free kick towards goal. Her well-struck effort was on target, however the Welsh keeper managed to keep it out.

Northern Ireland U16s: Ifeoma Agoha, Lara Longridge, Gracey Livingston, Zion Donnan, Maci Davidson, Sophia McNicholl, Aoife Conlon, Cara McVeigh, Lydia Devlin, Kelly Robinson, Sophie Nelson. Subs: Orla McLaughlin, Connie Harper, Ella Kitson, Leah Hepburn, Emilie Sylvester, Daisy Coalter, Sarah Smyth, Darcy Grayson, Lauren Kirkpatrick.

Wales U16s: Hattie Dawson, Lily Perkins, Esme Hooper, Carys Williams, Amy Kplomedo, Claudia Drew (captain), Effie Williams, Poppy-Jo Llewellyn, Lola Williams, Bella Roberts, Carys Evans. Subs: Lois Lightfoot, Lily Tyler, Lily May Harris, Lillie James, Ella Drew, Erin Jones, Arabel Morcom, Mared Lloyd, Lucy Roberts.

(irishfa.com)