The Ireland Women's Under-16s fell to a 2-0 defeat to Portugal in an International Friendly in Estadio Municipal de Rio Maior.

After drawing 2-2 in an open game on the day before, Portugal took control of this contest with goals on 28 and 37 minutes.

Ireland did come strong in the second half with Wexford forward Mia Whelan twice bringing the best out of the Portuguese goalkeeper.

However, the positive attacking play that Ireland persisted with was not ultimately rewarded and a comeback never materialised.

Still, this was a very encouraging display from a squad made up of a number of players making their debut at this level and they will take a lot from the experience.

Ireland: Annie McKeon; Aoife Doherty, Alba Hennessy Martinez, Alannah Mooney (Emma Fitzpatrick 46), Rosaleen O'Leary (Averie Seymour 71); Fiadh Woods (Norah Pustay 57), Faith Dawson (Maisy Healy 46); Maia Stokes (Daisy Fleming 57), Honor Mulvihill (Aoibhe Galvin 57), Ava Hand (Pixie Keddy 71); Saoirse Reynolds (Mia Whelan 57).

International Lead Coach: James Scott.