The Republic of Ireland suffered a second consecutive narrow 2-1 defeat in their UEFA Women's European Qualifiers campaign, as a late Lineth Beerensteyn goal secured victory for the Netherlands at Stadion Galgenwaard.

In a performance full of character and resilience, Katie McCabe had levelled the tie from the penalty spot early in the second half. However, despite a valiant effort, the Girls in Green were left heartbroken as Beerensteyn struck again in the final ten minutes to give the home side all three points.

Carla Ward made one change to the side that faced France, with Lucy Quinn coming into the midfield for the injured Denise O'Sullivan.

After weathering some early Dutch pressure, Ireland created the first real opportunities of the game. Caitlin Hayes was a constant threat from set-pieces, going close with two headers in the opening six minutes.

The hosts found their rhythm and took the lead in the 20th minute. A patient build-up saw a cross from the right flash across the Irish goal, where Lineth Beerensteyn arrived at the back post to convert from close range.

Ireland responded well, with Emily Murphy and Lucy Quinn both having efforts from distance. Goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan was called into action multiple times before the break, producing a superb save with her feet to deny Beerensteyn a certain second goal just before half-time.

The Girls in Green made the perfect start to the second half. From a Katie McCabe corner, Anna Patten was fouled as she challenged for the ball, and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. McCabe stepped up and confidently dispatched the penalty into the bottom corner to level the match in the 50th minute.

The goal galvanised Ireland, but the Netherlands continued to press, with Vivianne Miedema spurning a great chance. At the other end, a brilliant first-time strike from Megan Connolly forced an excellent save from the Dutch goalkeeper in the 72nd minute.

However, the hosts regained the lead in the 82nd minute. From a corner, the ball broke kindly in a crowded six-yard box for Beerensteyn, who steered it home for her second of the night.

Ireland pressed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, with substitute Abbie Larkin twice going close, but they were unable to find a breakthrough. Attention now turns to the next qualification window, which features a crucial double-header against Poland.

Netherlands: Kop (GK), Wilms, Buurman, Olislagers, Roord (Brugts 65), Beerensteyn, Kaptein (Groenen 65), Miedema (Grant 90), Leuchter (Van de Donk 65), Janssen (C), Egurrola.
Subs not used: Van Domselaar (GK), De Jong (GK), Dijkstra, Levels, Peddemors, Pelova, Casparij, Van der Zanden.

Republic of Ireland: Brosnan (GK), Mustaki, Hayes, Mannion, Connolly, McCabe (C), Patten, Sheva (Noonan 90), L. Quinn (Barrett 66), Carusa (Larkin 84), Murphy.
Subs not used: Moloney (GK), Whitehouse (GK), Stapleton, Kiernan, Littlejohn, O’Hanlon, Finn, Toland.

Referee: Frida Klarlund (Denmark).

Sky Player of the Match: Emily Murphy