Northern Ireland U-19s faced a tough double header in Hungary this week, narrowly losing both matches.
The irishfa.com reports that following on from their heroics at the UEFA U-19 Championship, the young side lost the first match 1-0 and the second 2-1.
In the first match, Hungary broke the deadlock half way through the first half when a corner to the front post was scrambled towards goal and despite Chloe Orr’s best efforts to clear her lines, the ball fell kindly for a Fanni Králik to finish from 3 yards.
Hungary continued to pressurise the Northern Ireland defence, hitting the woodwork, alongside some brave defending from Brenna McPartlan to clear the danger. Looking to level, Louise McDaniel had a great strike from just inside the box well saved by Luca Varga.
Rebecca Bassett used her pace to get in behind the defence and a great Orr pass put her through on goal but the keeper pulled off another good save and the score remained 1-0 at full time.
Te Irish made one change for the second game as Caitlin Collinghan replaced Megan Beattie in the midfield three.
Bassett broke clear on the right after good play by Orr but was unable to get the ball across to McDaniel, who was unmarked in the box.
Hungary took the lead as a good strike from just inside the box gave keeper Beth Hopwood no chance.
Northern Ireland started the second half brightly as a free kick from Orr fell to Emma McMaster on the penalty spot, whose effort was well parried. The ball fell to McPartlan who poked a shot towards goal which was blocked again on the line, where McMaster seemed destined to score from 2 yards out but a defender miraculously cleared.
Pushing for an equaliser, Northern Ireland were left short at the back, with Hungary scoring their second on the break.
Northern Ireland battled hard and were rewarded for their efforts 5 minutes from time, as Megan Beattie struck a looping volley from 25 yards out.
Photo – irishfa.com
