Northern Ireland were beaten 2-0 by Finland in their opening UEFA Women’s U-17 Championship Qualifier at Seaview.
Northern Ireland could not find a way past ‘keeper Venla Roine, while perhaps the best chance of the first half fell to Finland’s Emily Laiho but she hooked an effort off target much to the relief of stopper Ellie Scott.
Anelma Lahikainen headed against the crossbar shortly before the Finns struck twice in quick succession.
Kerttu Sarelius latched on to Sofia Jahnukainen’s ball to fire home the opener, the same scorer then capitalising on a loose ball in the box to double the lead.
Rachel McIntyre’s curling effort came back off the upright and Rhianna Breen’s fine strike from 25 yards came back of the crossbar, as the woodwork frustrated the Irish.
Northern Ireland face Austria at Solitude on Monday (2pm) in their second League A Group 3 match.
