Two first-half goals helped the Ireland Women's Under-19s claim a 2-0 victory over Belgium in an International Friendly in Tubize.

In the first of two games against the same opponent in the Training Centre of the Royal Belgian FA, Dave Connell's new-look team played with purpose and controlled large parts of this encounter.

The Girls in Green took the lead on 11 minutes through Wexford defender Grace Fitzpatrick Ryan before Shamrock Rovers forward Joy Ralph increased their lead on 20 minutes.

With a number of players making their first appearances at this level, Connell will be pleased with the overall performance as they continue preparation for their upcoming UEFA European Championship qualifiers.

Ireland will take on Bulgaria, Finland and Norway in Group A3 in November, so these games against Belgium will prove to be vital in that build-up.

Ireland: Nicole Nix (Amber Hardy 46); Lucy O'Rourke (Aoibhe Brennan 60), Grace Fitzpatrick Ryan, Aoife Kelly, Kiera Sena (Niamh Cotter 84), Lia O'Leary; Jess Fitzgerald (Eve O'Carroll 60), Ellen Dolan; Hannah Healy (Isabel Ryan 84), Freya Healy (Katie O'Reilly 75); Joy Ralph (Ceola Bergin 75).