Goals from Sarah McCaffrey, Ava Mullins and Leah McGrath helped the Ireland Women's Under-17s beat Northern Ireland Women's Under-17s 3-1 in an International Friendly in Belfast.

Head Coach James Scott was keen to use this game as part of preparation for the upcoming UEFA WU17 European Championship Qualifiers and his players made the most of the opportunity.

Inside six minutes the visiting team showed their attacking intent as Aisling Meehan forced Northern Ireland goalkeeper Abbie Smith into making a diving save.

Captain Ella Kelly, who was playing just 24 hours after appearing for Shamrock Rovers in the Avenir Sports All-Island Cup Final, then sent a long-range effort over the bar.

Ireland broke the deadlock on 26 minutes when Shelbourne midfielder McCaffrey produced a superb dribbling run past two defenders before slotting the ball into the back of the net.

Athlone Town winger Maeve Wollmer went close with a chance on goal before the home side pulled a goal back - just before the half-time break - when defender Sophie Hutchinson scored.

With defender Chloe Wallace going off, Scott opted to make further changes at the interval but that did not disrupt his team's approach as they continued to dominate possession and create attacking opportunities.

On 53 minutes, one of those substitutes, Mullins, put Ireland back in front when the Galway United attacker fired in a low drive from inside the opposition's penalty area.

Ireland kept the pressure on with captain Kelly pulling the strings and Mullins going close to netting a second goal. But the third goal came from a Wexford connection when debutant Lily Anne O'Meara crossed for McGrath to convert.

The action kept on going right to the end with a couple of corner kicks causing trouble but three goals proved to be enough for the away team.

This was an impressive performance and deserved win, which will please Scott and his support staff as they now switch their focus to a double header away to Portugal.

Northern Ireland: Abbie Smith; Caityln Carlise, Lilie Horner, Sophie Hutchinson, Chloe Beckinsale, Niamh Hassen, Lucy Kelly, Charlotte Havern, Maja Stachura, Olivia Campbell, Mia Reily.

Republic of Ireland: Jenna Willoughby (Laura Fanning 46); Kate Jones (Beatrice Silickaite 58), Heather Loomes, Chloe Wallace (Michaela Hand 44), Emma Gaughran (Aibhlinn Cotter 46); Aoife Sheridan (Ava Mullins 46), Sarah McCaffrey (Grace Ehinger 58); Aisling Meehan (Madison McGuane 58), Ella Kelly, Maeve Wollmer (Lily Anne O'Meara 58); Anna Butler (Leah McGrath 46).

Referee: Olga Novozilova.