England beat hosts Northern Ireland 2-0 in the opening match of the UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship.
Cairo Antoine hit the post from a tight angle, later setting up Bryony Brodie, who was also denied by the upright.
The Young Lionesses had the ball in the net, but the flag went up, and Northern Ireland broke through on goal but couldn’t make the most of it.
England got ahead just before the half-hour mark, as Antoine again crossed and Phoebe De Bohan got the final touch.
England substitute Mia Dixon headed a clear chance over the crossbar early in the second half, and goalkeeper Victoria Rudz was quick to the ball when a loose touch nearly let in Ireland’s Emilee Leacock.
Abbie Smyth was sent clear only to hit the ball over the keeper and the England goal, thumping the turf o less than six times in frustration.
The victory was sealed in the last 10 minutes, De Bohan doubling her tally on the second attempt after Ifeoma Agoha saved the first via a cross from Chelsea N’Drin.
N’Drin should have added a third in stoppage time but was thwarted by the 14-year-old goalkeeper.
Germany are next up for England at Inver Park in Larne on Thursday at 3pm, while Northern Ireland take on Norway three hours later at The Showgrounds in Coleraine.
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