Three first-half goals helped Austria record a 4-0 victory over Ireland Women's Under-17s in their UEFA WU17 European Championship Qualifier in Alicante, Spain.

After losing their opening game in Group A6 to Spain, the Girls in Green were hoping to bounce back and made some changes to their starting line-up. But it wasn't to be.

An own goal from Finley Newell after six minutes gave an indication of how little luck would be on their side in this game as Austria took advantage of every break that fell their way.

On the half hour mark, Anna Osl converted a penalty to make it 2-0 and then just two minutes later Denise Lueger found the back of the net to send Austria in at break with a three-goal lead.

Maeve Wollmer did have a good chance for Ireland and some personnel changes after the interval helped swing some momentum back their way. However, they failed to find a goal to mount a fight-back.

Substitute Aisling Meehan did go close to scoring following a break forward and Leah McGrath forced goalkeeper Vivien Grabenhofer into making a fine save as Ireland pushed all the way to the end.

Austria got their fourth goal in the 89th minute when Dionna Dike fired in to secure the three points.

Ireland: Jenna Willoughby; Sophia Leonard (Aoife Sheridan 46), Heather Loomes (Michaela Hand 46), Finley Newell, Emma Gaughran, Ella Kelly; Fiona McCormick (Leah McGrath 59), Madison McGuane; Maeve Wollmer (Aisling Meehan 58); Anna Butler (Ava Mullins 87), Mary Hartofilis.