Under-19 football

Northern Ireland looked to continue their winning start to their UEFA Women's Under 19 Qualifying campaign as they took on Kosovo at Shamrock Park, but will feel disappointed with a 0-0 draw.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Oct 2018, 22:39 BST
Updated 6th Oct 2018, 04:35 BST
Northern Ireland's Louise McDaniel and Kosovo's Diellza HyseniNorthern Ireland's Louise McDaniel and Kosovo's Diellza Hyseni
Northern Ireland's Louise McDaniel and Kosovo's Diellza Hyseni

Alfie Wylie’s side had the best of the chances in a match that they dominated from start to finish, but were unable to grab a winning goal.

The girls in green looked the more dangerous side throughout the first half but were unfortunately unable to create any clear cut chances.

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In the opening stages of the game NI winger Rebecca McKenna looked to stamp her authority on the game and was a constant threat down the right hand side.

The best chance of the half came mid-way through. A low free-kick from 25 yards out which Bell put low past Florentina Kolgeci’s left-hand post.

Northern Ireland looked to step it up in the second half as Wylie made one change at the break.

The first clear cut chance of the match came on 68 minutes and it fell to Colligan. McKenna delivered a great ball into the box to Colligan at the back post who couldn’t connect.

get her first time shot on target.

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Kosovo were penned deep inside their own half for most of the match and look to go long to striker Flaka Aslanaj as an outlet. Their only chance came as a long ball was played in behind the Northern Ireland defence to Aslanj with Currie in the Northern Ireland goal racing outside her box to clear the danger.

Alfie Wylie’s side battled hard to the end and will feel aggrieved not to be awarded a penalty two minutes from time as Collighan raced into the box and was brought down by two Kosovo defenders.

The chance of the game came on the 90th minute as Bell let fly from distance, beating the keeper but unfortunately not the crossbar. The ball rebounded towards McDaniel who couldn’t get on the end of it. A great strike, which deserved to win her side all three points at the death.

There was still time for one final Kosovo attack, as Currie was called into action late on. The young keeper pulled off a fantastic diving save as Aslanaj looked to have won it with a low effort.

A draw leaves Northern Ireland second in the group with only Germany left to play on Monday night at Shamrock Park. The top two teams will advance to the Elite Round.

Related topics:Northern IrelandKosovo