Czech Republic 0 - 2 Republic of Ireland | 2017 - Senior Women's Friendlies | 999943364

Senior Women's Friendlies Cyprus Cup | TBC, Cyprus

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Czech Republic 0 - 2 Republic of Ireland

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REPORT: Czech Republic 0-2 WNT - Bell claims first win

Republic of Ireland Women's National Team ensured new Head Coach Colin Bell got off to a winning start with a fine performance against the Czech Republic.

1st Mar 2017

In their first game of the Cyprus Cup tournament, goals from experienced duo Stephanie Roche and Aine O'Gorman ensured a 2-0 victory for the Women's National Team.

Bell included Reading WFC defender Harriet Scott in the starting line-up to make her international debut as Ireland got off to a strong start.

They were rewarded for their strong start in the 24th minute as a well-worked corner routine saw the ball land at Roche's feet for her to smash home to give Bell's side the lead.

In a game of few chances for either side, Ireland absorbed all the pressure the Czechs put them under and sealed the victory with two minutes remaining.

Substitute Ruesha Littlejohn found the tireless O'Gorman who found the back of the net off the post from outside the area to seal a fine win for the Irish.

WNT manager Colin Bell said: "I'm delighted with the performance. The players were a credit to themselves today, they put in so much effort across the pitch for the entire 90 minutes.

"They did everything we asked. They were able to sit back and use the ball well as we've got a lot of players at different stages but they all found the level which was required.

"It's great for Harriet (Scott) to get her debut. She's a tireless defender who works really hard and you can tell she is proud to wear the shirt.

"It is just a start for the group but it is a good start. We've still got a lot of work to do with a difficult game against Hungary next which means we'll have to refocus and get to the same levels."

Team

Republic of Ireland: Byrne (GK) (C), Perry, Quinn, Caldwell, Scott, Duggan (McLaughlin 80), O'Sullivan, O'Gorman (Kiernan 89), Connolly (Littlejohn 70), McCabe, Roche.

Subs: McQuillan (GK), Hourihan (GK), McCarthy, Berrill, Murray, O'Riordan, Shine.

Next game

Republic of Ireland v Hungary
Paralimni, Cyprus Cup
Friday, March 3rd
K.O 15.30pm (GMT)

Colin Bell 'excited' for Czech Republic test

Republic of Ireland Women's Head Coach Colin Bell believes it will be 'a tough start' as he heads into his first game as Head Coach tomorrow.

28th Feb 2017

The Women's National Team travelled to Cyprus yesterday after a training session in Abbotstown with the new Head Coach before they face Czech Republic in the Cyprus Cup, with kick-off at 12.30pm (Irish time).

Bell has also revealed that Marie Hourihan from Manchester City has linked up with the squad for the tournament where he stands to claim her first cap since becoming eligible for the country.

Claire O'Riordan, striker for Wexford Youths, and Harriet Scott, defender from Reading, has also linked up with the squad and Bell admits he is looking forward to the challenge.

The WNT Head Coach said: "I'm really looking forward to it. It's been great to get onto the pitch with the group, starting on Sunday at Abbotstown and out here again today.

"I'm trying to get a few bits of information across to the group; it's going to be a tough game for us with only two small sessions of preparation.

"We had to move the squad around slightly. Julie Ann-Russell wasn't available so I've brought in Claire O'Riordan and Harriet Scott. Also, Marie Hourihan who is eligible to play for Ireland, she's a keeper from Manchester City.

"I'm looking forward to see how they settle in. We've got a few younger faces as well, the likes of Roma McLaughlin, Amanda McQuillan and Leanne Kiernan so we've got a good mix for the tournament."

Joining Bell on the trip is new goalkeeping coach Michael Kraft who formerly played in Germany and Turkey, and has also been part of the coaching staff at Eintracht Frankfurt and Werder Bremen.

The Women's National Team Head Coach was delighted that Kraft was available for the tournament and wants to see his side represent themselves well against the Czech Republic.

He added: "I've known Michael for 30 years, he has considerable experience having played at the highest level himself and it's great he could join us on the trip.

"I'm really pleased that he is here as he is really dedicated, a great guy and a great person, and I'm sure the goalkeepers will benefit from working with him.

"We've got to make sure we keep things tomorrow. Czech Republic have a settled squad who've been together a number of years now whilst we've got players coming in on different levels.

"Some have started the season, some haven't but I've seen a real character from the group since coming in and we've got to make sure that translates onto the pitch tomorrow."