Republic of Ireland 2 - 1 Slovakia | 2019 - FIFA Women's World Cup | 999943743

FIFA Women's World Cup FIFA 2019 WWC Qualifying | Tallaght Stadium, Dublin

6 Apr 2018 17:00

Republic of Ireland 2 - 1 Slovakia

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Ireland WNT: Super-sub Barrett secures Slovak win

Republic of Ireland Women's National Team secured a vital three points in their FIFA 2019 World Cup Qualifying campaign with a late Amber Barrett goal.

6th Apr 2018

Shelbourne striker Leanne Kiernan opened the scoring mid-way through the second-half before Slovakia equalised through a Marie Hourihan own goal. However, substitute Amber Barrett fired home with three minutes remaining with Ireland set to host the European Champions the Netherlands on Tuesday.

A windswept Tallaght Stadium made chances few and far between during the first 45 minutes as captain Katie McCabe came closest with a header over the bar in the 23rd minute.

Roared on by a fantastic 3521 crowd at Tallaght Stadium, the WNT were much improved in the second-half and their mounting pressure saw the home side take the lead. With just over 20 minutes remaining, Cavan-native Kiernan was able to collect the ball before she turned her defender and fired the ball home.

Three minutes later, spirits were dampened as goalkeeper Marie Hourihan scored an unfortunate own goal but Colin Bell's side continued to press forward and wouldn't be denied.

Substitute Amber Barrett latched onto a Karen Duggan lofted-ball forward and found the bottom corner to cue wild scenes as Ireland secured a vital win.

Republic of Ireland WNT Head Coach Colin Bell said: "We're delighted to come away with the victory in the end. It was a difficult game and you've got to give credit to the opposition who defended well.

"Two fantastic goals from two home-based players which I think says a lot about how the game is growing here in Ireland and producing the talent we need for the international stage.

"I'd like to thank all of the supporters who turned up to support the team today. They really drove the team on in the final stages and helped us get those three points."

Republic of Ireland: Hourihan (GK), Perry, Caldwell, Quinn, Duggan, Fahey, Connolly, O'Sullivan, McCabe (C), Littlejohn (Barrett 77), Kiernan.

Ireland WNT: Tyler Toland ruled out ahead of qualifiers

Republic of Ireland Women's National Team midfielder Tyler Toland has been ruled out of the FIFA 2019 World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia and the Netherlands.

5th Apr 2018

The 16-year old made her international debut in the 2-0 win over Northern Ireland at the start of the campaign after stepping up from the Women's Under-17s team.

Toland went on to start in the 2-0 win over Slovakia and the 0-0 draw against the Netherlands but will now miss the next two qualifiers with a fractured wrist.

The WNT trained at the FAI National Training Centre this morning, their final training session before they face Slovakia at Tallaght Stadium tomorrow, with kick-off at 5pm.

"It's another huge blow for us as Tyler has been an influential member of the team since she made her debut at the start of the campaign," said Republic of Ireland WNT Head Coach Colin Bell.

"Her performances against Slovakia and the Netherlands were fantastic but now we've got to make plans for these two fixtures without her. It will give someone else in the squad an opportunity to step up and we've got to look forward now.

"The players have trained brilliantly all week and they're ready for another tough test. The whole squad are incredibly excited to play in front of our home crowd for the first time this campaign and we've got to direct that energy into a positive result."

Shelbourne Ladies full-back Niamh Prior was called up to the squad earlier in the week to replace Peamount United defender Claire Walsh who has been ruled out through illness.

The WNT are already missing Stephanie Roche, Megan Campbell, Harriet Scott and Heather Payne through injury but Head Coach Bell believes in the quality of his squad.

"We've been challenged at every stage of the campaign. We had Aine and Steph injured during the first game of the campaign and then Megan was injured after the Slovakia win," Bell said.

"Add Harriet, Heather, Claire and Tyler to that list and we're missing a number of players but I believe in the quality throughout my squad and they've proven they can adjust during the campaign.

"It is just another challenge for us to get through but the players have to take on that responsibility. We've got a lot of quality in the squad and I'm sure whoever comes into the team and represents their country tomorrow will be up for the challenge."

Republic of Ireland WNT Squad

Goalkeepers: Marie Hourihan (Manchester City), Amanda Budden (Cork City), Amanda McQuillan (Shelbourne)

Defenders: Sophie Perry-Campbell (Brighton and Hove Albion), Diane Caldwell (SC Sand), Louise Quinn (Arsenal), Niamh Fahey (Bordeaux), Niamh Prior (Shelbourne).

Midfielders: Megan Connolly (Florida State University), Karen Duggan (Peamount United), Denise O'Sullivan (NC Courage), Roma McLaughlin (Shelbourne), Amy Boyle-Carr (Sion Swifts).

Attackers: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Leanne Kiernan (Shelbourne), Amber Barrett (Peamount United), Isibeal Atkinson (Shelbourne), Ruesha Littlejohn (Celtic), Aine O'Gorman (Peamount United), Claire O'Riordan (Wexford Youths), Dearbhaile Beirne (UCD Waves)