Ireland felt they were denied an early penalty after a challenge on Eleanor Ryan-Doyle in the area and shortly afterwards, Niamh Prior’s back post header looked to be looping into the far corner but brought a terrific stop from Scotland ‘keeper Rebecca Flaherty.
In the 14th minute, Kirsty Hanson smartly found captain Cuthbert in the box and the Chelsea star placed a beautiful effort beyond the reach of Amanda McQuillan to break the deadlock.
Ireland flew out of the blocks in the second half and got the equaliser after just 5 minutes. A quickly taken free-kick afforded the chance to cross and when Scotland failed to clear the danger, Niamh Farrelly pounced from six yards to blast the ball into the roof of the net.
But moments before the end and 7 minutes into stoppage-time, Scotland were awarded a penalty, which Cuthbert converted for her second goal of the game.
Scotland U-19s: Flaherty; Michie, Paterson, Whyte, Dalgleish; Cuthbert; Hanson (Notely 85), Adams (Boyce 73), Cornet, Kerr; Gallacher (McGregor 79).
Republic of Ireland U-19s: McQuillan; McCartan, Moloney, Farrelly, Nolan; McLaughlin; Ryan-Doyle (Kiernan 53), Kavanagh, Finn; Noonan (Daly 83); McLaughlin.
In the other opening Group 4 game in Limerick, Finland thrashed Ukraine 5-0, with braces by Emmaliina Tulkki and Jutta Rantala, plus one for Juuli Ketola.
Finland and Scotland are next up on Thursday 6th April at Jackman Park in Limerick, kick-off 3pm, then Ireland host Ukraine at 7pm later that day at Market’s Field.
Source – fai.ie / Photo – scottishfa.co.uk