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Saturday, May 9, 2026

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Northern Ireland defeated by Norway

Northern Ireland U17 0 Norway U17 3

Northern Ireland Under-17s fell to a 3-0 defeat against Norway in their second Group A match of the UEFA Women’s Under-17 European Championship at Coleraine Showgrounds.

The Norwegians, who had lost their opening fixture to Germany, struck twice in the first half and added a third late on to secure a comfortable victory and keep their semi final hopes alive.

Head coach Gail Redmond made one change to the side beaten 2-0 by England in the tournament opener, with Anna Rose Robinson coming in for Maja Stachura up front.

Both teams started cautiously, but Norway drew first blood on 10 minutes. Mie Hoem broke down the right and delivered a low cross that Davis Lundhaug swept home, Northern Ireland goalkeeper Ifeoma Agoha got a hand to the ball but could not prevent it crossing the line.

The hosts responded positively with Robinson driving forward and firing a promising effort just inches past the post.

Norway doubled their advantage on 19 minutes when Live Balmforth’s corner was powerfully headed home by captain Isa Lund from close range. The Scandinavians continued to press, with Balmforth and Emilie Strand Blindheim both going close before half time. Northern Ireland defended stoutly, with Chloe Beckinsale producing a vital block and Emilee Leacock clearing off the line from a corner.

Agoha made several important saves, including smothering a late effort from Stine Solemdal on the stroke of half time.

After the break, Charlotte Havern played a dangerous ball over the top towards Leacock, but Norway goalkeeper Erla Braathen was quick off her line to claim it. Agoha continued to impress, pushing away a low drive from Hoem.

Despite some promising moments, Northern Ireland were unable to find a way back into the match. Norway added a third goal on 78 minutes when Solemdal produced a superb long range lob to seal the victory.

The result leaves Northern Ireland with no points from two games, while Norway bounce back from their opening defeat. Gail Redmond’s side will now face a tough final group fixture against Germany on Sunday 10 May at Inver Park in Larne (kick-off 3pm BST). Germany booked their semi final place earlier today with a 1-0 win over England, who will take on Norway for the right to be the second team to go through to the last four.

Northern Ireland Under-17: Ifeoma Agoha, Daisy Moore, Holly Hilton, Sara Devany, Chloe Beckinsale, Mirjana Karrabecaj, Emilee Leacock, Heidi Curran, Abbie Smyth, Charlotte Havern, Anna Rose Robinson. Subs: Zion Donnan, Sydney Wilson, Ava Hurl, Siun Kirby, Ellie McGarrigle, Sophie Glover, Maja Stachura, Grace Steele.