A strong performance saw Spain claim a 4-1 victory over Ireland Women's Under-17s in their first Round 1 Qualifier as part of the UEFA WU17 European Championships.

A late goal from Wexford forward Leah McGrath wasn't enough to inspire a comeback as James Scott's team lost to the reigning holders of this competition.

The game was moved to the Estadio José Rico Pérez in Alicante and Spain took the lead after 25 minutes when Claudia Indias cut inside from the right flank  to finish with her left foot.

The home team started to apply a lot of pressure and they extended their lead 10 minutes later when Rosalia Navarro netted the first of her three goals on the day.

Ireland responded at the interval by making two substitutions and they played very well in patches against a high quality opponent. But a penalty on 65 minutes - that Navarro converted - knocked them off their rhythm.

Still, Ireland didn't give up and got their reward on 80 minutes when McGrath profited from a mix-up in the Spanish defence to race clear and slot the ball into an empty net.

Spain, however, had one more strike to land and it came from Navarro as she completed her hat-trick in the third minute of added time to give them an opening win in Group A6.

Ireland: Jenna Willoughby; Heather Loomes (Michaela Hand 69), Finley Newell, Aibhlinn Cotter; Sarah McCaffrey (Beatrice Silickaite 46), Madison McGuane, Ella Kelly; Aisling Meehan (Leah McGrath 46), Maeve Wollmer, Mary Hartofilis (Ava Mullins 69); Anna Butler (Sophia Leonard 69).