Republic of Ireland Women's Under-17s fell to a 3-1 defeat to Switzerland in the first of two friendly games in Spain on Tuesday morning.

Manager James Scott labelled these games as extremely important when it comes to assessing matters before Round 2 of the UEFA European Championship Qualifiers at the end of March.

Captain Orlaith O’ Mahony led the team out on warm but windy afternoon. The game began with decent play from both sides with Ireland playing out calmly from the back, implementing their structure early on.

After a very even start, Ireland went close to taking the lead with Lia O’Leary hitting the target from the left-hand side in the 6th minute. More chances came Ireland's way but it was Switzerland who broke the deadlock in the 15th minute of the first half, with Eriona Portier slotting it in.

Switzerland led the contest at the half-time break and the Girls in Green took the opportunity to regroup for the second half. In the 54th minute, Michaela Lawrence deservedly won a free-kick in a good position. O’Mahony guided the ball towards the goal, it hit the inside of the post and went into the back of the Swiss net to make it 1-1.

Switzerland started to dominate the game in the second half, but Ireland’s attack didn’t die down. Scott's team played great through balls, using the full-backs and wingers cleverly to open up the space. Substitutes Joy Ralph and Katie McCairn added fresh legs to the front, but Ireland couldn’t find a way past the Swiss goalkeeper.

It was Switzerland who went on top with another goal in the 76th minute, and momentum didn’t let up as they scored their third in the 85th minute.

With the Swiss in the middle of their season and the Girls in Green in early pre-season, there were many positives to take from the game.

Ireland will look to get some revenge when they play the second game of their double-header friendly on Thursday at 14:30 Irish time.

Republic of Ireland: Summer Lawless, Tara O’Hanlon (Jodie Loughrey 76), Eve Dossen, Aoife Kelly, Keri Loughrey (Katie McCairn 65), Orlaith O’Mahony, Michaela Lawrence (Sophie Morrin 76), Lia O’Leary, Heidi Macken , Meabh Russell, Heidi O’Sullivan (Joy Ralph 65).