A late goal from Kerri Halliday saw Northern Ireland claim a 1-0 victory over Ireland Women's Under-19s in an International Friendly in Danny Blanchflower Stadium, Belfast.
After beating Wales twice in two games in Wrexham, Dave Connell's squad finished off a busy international window with this game that was affected by strong windy conditions.
Ireland were the better of the two teams in the early exchanges but there was a lack of real cutting edge chances in spite of their positive play.
Upon returning for the second period, Connell made four changes which included a debut for Isobel Ryan, who has impressed for Athlone Town recently in the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division.
Ireland had a couple of excellent chanes to take the lead with substitute Hannah Healy rocking the crossbar with a stinging effort from a long-range effort that deserved more.
Shamrock Rovers forward Joy Ralph then crashed a header back off the woodwork before defender Kate Thompson also went close but ultimately could not covert.
On 84 minutes, Halliday found herself in enough space to get the goal for the home team that decided this contest but the result will not take from the performance of the visiting team.Next up for the Under-19s is their UEFA European Championship qualifiers against Belgium, Netherlands and Faroe Islands where they aim to advance to the next stage.
Northern Ireland: Ellie Scott; Orleigha McGuinness, Soife Keenan, Abi Sweetlove, Faye Loughran, Sarah Tweedie, Aimee Kerr, Sophie Gargan, Kascie Weir, Kerri Halliday, Rachel McIntyre.
Ireland: Katie Keane (Summer Lawless 46); Meabh Russell, Kate Thompson, Eve Dossen (Rola Olusola 66), Lia O'Leary; Jess Fitzgerald, Aoife Kelly; Jodie Loughrey (Isobel Ryan 46), Freya Healy (Hannah Healy 46), Ceola Bergin (Ellen Dolan 46); Joy Ralph.
Referee: Sam Naylor.
International FriendliesWednesday, September 20 | Ireland 7-0 WalesFriday, September 22 | Ireland 6-0 WalesSunday, September 24 | Northern Ireland 1-0 Ireland
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