The Ireland Women's Under-16s got off to a brilliant start to a UEFA Development Tournament with a 3-1 victory over Finland.

First-half goals from Ciara Milton and Hailey Twomey were complimented by a 56th-minute finish from Halle Harcourt to seal the win.

The Girls in Green got off to a rapid start when Shamrock Rovers ace Milton opened the scoring following an excellent passage of attacking play.

Just as the clock ticked onto the half hour mark, Ireland got their second goal when another Rovers player, Twomey, found the back of the net.

Finland came out strongly in the second period but Ireland withstood the pressure and then extended their lead through Shelbourne forward Harcourt.

The home did pull one goal back on 89 minutes through Dina Ylikraka but Ireland did enough to earn the win and it will give them confidence moving forward in the tournament.

Ireland: Lucy Doyle Fa​rrington; Ava Kelly (Leah Hannon 66), Keela Donnelly Meehan (Leah O'Leary Callender 77), Ruby Boland, Ava Hallinan (Norah Pustay 60); Abbie Duffy (Skye Barrett 66), Lara Dallaghan (Fiadh Woods 66); Halle Harcourt (Mia Whelan 60), Ellen Goggin, Hailey Towmey; Ciara Milton (Maisy Healy 60).