A first-half goal for Finland saw them claim a 1-0 victory over the Ireland Girls' Under-16s in their second game of their UEFA Development Tournament.

After narrowly losing to Belgium, the Girls in Green were hoping to bounce back against the tournament hosts but Aino Mero scored the only goal of the game.

Finland showed their attacking strength in this game and Irish goalkeeper Lucy Doyle-Farrington had to be switched on to keep them at bay, along with the defensive unit in front of her.

This was a different kind of test for Tom Elmes's team and one which they will benefit from. But they also showed flashes of their own offensive power with Ciara Milton and Mia Gaff wreaking havoc in the first half.

Both collectively and individually, Ireland were strong and committed throughout. They just missed that bit of luck in front of goal to finish off their transition plays with Molly Kirwan, Hailey Twomey and Milton going close.

Late on in the game, Kirwan rattled the crossbar with an effort and Milton almost secured an equaliser. It ended in defeat but lots of positives to take from the performance.

Ireland: Lucy Doyle-Farrington; Annabel Mulcaire-Quille (Lara Dallaghan 63), Holly O'Hagan, Keelin Comiskey (Haliey Twomey 46), Ava Hallinan (Caoimhe O'Brien 73); Ellen Goggin (Halle Harcourt 73), Madison McGuane (Emma Mooney 63), Fiona Poole (Alex Devoy 45); Kassie McLoughlin (Alice Buggle 63), Ciara Milton, Mia Gaff (Molly Kirwan 63).

UEFA Development Tournament
Friday, May 23 | Belgium 1-0 Ireland
Sunday, May 25 | Finland 1-0 Ireland
Wednesday, May 28 | Ireland v Switzerland, Eerikkila, Finland, KO 10:00 (local time)