REPORT | WU15 | Ireland 2-3 Slovakia

Aug 25 2026

The Republic of Ireland Women’s Under-15s were narrowly defeated in a five-goal thriller against Slovakia on Match-Day 2 of the UEFA Development Tournament at Stadium NK HAŠK.

Despite a resilient performance and goals from Lexi Murphy and Erin McCartan, a clinical Slovakian side claimed the win in a closely contested encounter.

Ireland started the game with intent, managing early Slovakian pressure before carving out several opportunities of their own. After two corners and a dangerous free-kick from Erin McCartan were dealt with by the Slovakian defence, Ireland found the breakthrough in the 17th minute. A slick build-up down the right flank resulted in a perfectly weighted through ball to Lexi Murphy, who made no mistake by slotting the ball into the bottom right corner.

Slovakia responded well, though Cece Moloney was required to produce a vital interception to halt a dangerous run through the middle in the 21st minute. As the half progressed, the game became scrappy. Slovakia eventually levelled the scores in the 37th minute when a low cross from the left was expertly controlled and finished into the top corner by Alica Vanekova.

The momentum swung further in Slovakia's favour just before the break. In the 42nd minute, after what appeared to be a clear foul on Cece Moloney on the edge of the box went unpunished, Slovakia recycled the ball from the right for Mirium Bujdosova to finish from close range, leaving Ireland 2-1 down at the interval.

Ireland emerged for the second half with renewed energy and found an equaliser five minutes after the restart. Erin McCartan showed great predatory instincts to intercept a pass inside the area, rounding the goalkeeper and guiding a composed finish into the far corner to make it 2-2.

The game remained on a knife-edge. In the 64th minute, Laura McHugh produced a spectacular save to deny a Slovakian counter-attack, and Penny Murphy was heroically placed on the line to block the follow-up effort. However, Slovakia eventually regained the lead in the 68th minute when a blocked shot fell kindly to Maya Balintova, who struck a first-time effort home.

Chelsea Noonan’s side pushed hard for a third equaliser in the closing stages. Amy Nnabugwu sparked life into the midfield with a powerful run, while Rosaleen O’Leary saw a late near-post effort well saved by the Slovakian keeper. Despite the late pressure and a final corner in stoppage time, Ireland couldn't find the goal their efforts deserved.

Republic of Ireland: Laura McHugh (GK), Zoey Clarke (Penny Murphy, 32), Nikki Mullally (Sadhbh Harris, HT), Abbie Norris, Cece Moloney, Emily Donovan (Rosaleen O'Leary, 60), Aimee Greene (C), Molly Dooling (Clara O'Doherty, 32), Monroe McBrearty (Charlotte Lyons, 60), Lexi Murphy (Amy Nnabugwu, HT), Erin McCartan (Sofia Rice, 69).
Subs Not Used: Emma O’Neill (GK), Amelia Smialek.

Goalscorers: Lexi Murphy (17’), Erin McCartan (50’)

Referee: Brigita Presečki