Hungary 0 - 0 Republic of Ireland | 2017 - Senior Women's Friendlies | 999943366

Senior Women's Friendlies Cyprus Cup | TBC, Cyprus

Friday, March 3, 2017

Hungary 0 - 0 Republic of Ireland

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REPORT: Ireland 0-0 Hungary - WNT remain unbeaten in Cyprus

Republic of Ireland Women's National Team continued their unbeaten run in the Cyprus Cup with a 0-0 draw against Hungary.

3rd Mar 2017

The result means Ireland will now face Wales in the final group game to decide the winner after the Welsh drew with the Czech Republic.

Ireland were gifted the best chance of the game with just one minute on the clock as Megan Connolly closed the keeper down but after winning the ball, her shot was blocked.

Ireland continued to create chances as the impressive Harriet Scott, in just her second appearance for the national side, burst down the left to find Aine O'Gorman with a low cross, but the UCD Waves striker saw her shot well saved.

A minute after the break, the tireless Katie McCabe worked a neat position just outside the area after a weighted-flick from Stephanie Roche, who claimed her 50th cap, but her powerful effort was well saved.

Hungary could have won the game with just under 30 minutes to go as they were awarded a penalty after Aine O'Gorman fouled Gabriella Toth in the area but Fanni Vago's penalty went well wide of Hourihan's right-hand post.

After the final whistle, Head Coach Colin Bell was delighted with the character and the effort shown from the group.

Bell said: "I'm really pleased with the group. It was a really intensive match against a really strong side in Hungary who have played together for some time.

"They stuck to the game-plan and even when they made mistakes, the effort levels to recover was fantastic. We should have been 1-0 up at half-time if we took our chances.

"We had a little bit of luck in the second half with the penalty miss but I think we deserved as Hungary didn't create another chance in the entire 90 minutes.

"We're trying to lay the foundations. We want to stay compact and get teams on the break. When we start training together and the team gets fitter, we can then start moving the ball better and become a much better side."

Republic of Ireland: Hourihan; Perry, Caldwell, Quinn, Scott; McLaughlin (O’Riordan 73), Duggan; McCabe (McCarthy 90), Connolly (Kiernan 84), O’Gorman; Roche.

Debutant Scott praise for new Head Coach Colin Bell

Republic of Ireland debutant Harriet Scott has praised new Head Coach Colin Bell, claiming she has never worked with a coach like him before.

2nd Mar 2017

The Reading WFC defender made her senior international debut in Bell's first game as Head Coach, an impressive 2-0 win over Czech Republic at the Cyprus Cup.

After making her debut, Scott admitted it was a surprise to see her name on the team-sheet but 'loved every minute' of the victory.

She said: "I was ecstatic. It wasn't something I expected when I was selected for the squad as I was just looking for the experience of being away with the squad.

"When the manager put up the teamsheet, it was a bit of a surprise for me. I loved the game, enjoyed every minute of it and it's definitely a great start."

The Women's National Team face Hungary tomorrow, with kick-off at 3.30pm GMT, in their second game at the Cyprus Cup as they look to continue the momentum from the Czech win.

Having worked with Bell over the past week, Scott was full of praise for the new Head Coach despite what 'was a real tough ask for him'.

Scott continued: "He is really, really good. Different to any coach I've ever had before, he's very structured and he knows exactly what he wants from us.

"It was a real tough ask for him to have only a couple of training sessions before our game but he made it work for us against Czech Republic, hopefully it can work against Hungary."

In a tight contest, Hungary suffered a 2-0 defeat against Wales yesterday which means a win will see Ireland lead the group going into the final game against Wales.

Having made her debut, Scott hopes to play a part against Hungary tomorrow but has backed everyone in the squad to step up as she looks to her future international career.

She added: "Some of the girls had training today, the others had recovery here back at the hotel. Everyone who is in the squad could play and do really well so we need to take the confidence into the next game.

"I'd definitely like to be involved in the future. I'm really proud to be here, makes me so happy. If I can continue to impress the manager with my club side, I'd be happy with that."

Next Game

Republic of Ireland v Hungary
Cyprus Cup
Kick-off 15.30pm GMT (17.30pm local time)