The Ireland Women’s Under-16s narrowly lost 4-3 to Scotland in an excellent game at Oriam, Scotland's Sports Performance Centre, on Tuesday afternoon.

Tom Elmes opted for an attacking line-up with four of the five forwards in the squad making the starting line-up as Ireland looked to make use of their speed and skill.

It was the home team though who scored first when they found the back of the net on 24 minutes. But DLR Waves ace Anna Butler hit back on 35 minutes to level matters and it stayed that way going in at half-time.

Elmes made three changes at the interval and Ireland continued with their fluid style of play as they passed the ball well and moved forward as a unit - clearly work on the training ground was paying off.

Wexford Youths attacker Leah McGrath put Ireland in the lead on 70 minutes and then they went 3-1 up just a few minutes later when Arsenal's Sophia Leonard fired in.

Scotland roared back with three quick-fire goals of their own to seize control of the game again with their winner coming in added time.

This was a good test for Ireland in the first of two International Friendly games in Edinburgh.

Ireland: Jenna Willoughby; Anna Butler, Abigail Bradshaw (Katie Jones 61), Heather Loomes, Aibhlinn Cotter (Camille Adams 46), Ella Kelly (Keelin Comiskey 74); Aoife Sheridan (Michaela Hand 61), Finley Newell (Caelan Bacon 74); Lauren Bowe (Madison McGuane 46); Katie Ray (Sophia Leonard 46), Leah McGrath.

International Friendlies
Tuesday, November 14 | Scotland WU16 4-3 Ireland WU16
Thursday, November 16 | Scotland WU16 v Ireland WU16, Oriam, Edinburgh, KO 14:30