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Sunday, March 15, 2026

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Northern Ireland U17 power to promotion

Northern Ireland’s Women’s Under-17s made it three wins out of three with a 3-0 victory against the hosts in Euro qualifiers staged in North Macedonia.

WU17s boss Gail Redmond made two changes to the team that started the 3-1 win over Georgia in Northern Ireland’s second game in stage two of the qualifiers for UEFA Women’s U17 Euro. Midfielder Mirjana Karrabecaj and forward Ava Hurl came in for defender Grace Campbell and suspended midfielder Charlotte Havern.

The game against hosts North Macedonia was Northern Ireland’s final game in the League B Group 2 mini tournament staged in Strumica.

The Women’s Under-17s, who defeated Luxembourg 4-1 in their opening game, have been competing in Euro qualifiers this month despite being assured of a place in this year’s WU17 Euros by virtue of being hosts (3-16 May in Coleraine, Larne and Belfast).

The hosts carved out a couple of chances early on before Northern Ireland took the lead on 12 minutes. Abbie Smyth dribbled past a couple of defenders before being upended outside the area. She took the free-kick herself and superbly clipped it into the bottom corner.

In the 26th minute the visitors went two up. Hilton dribbled into the opposition half and crossed to striker Ava Hurl. Her shot was pushed out by the keeper, however Leacock finished well from the rebound.

Six minutes later North Macedonia defender Besarta Fida received a second yellow card and was sent off.

On 34 minutes Northern Ireland keeper Sophie Glover did well to keep out a well struck free kick from North Macedonia defender Blehana Alieska. Just before half time the hosts’ keeper and captain Evgenija Veljanovska pushed away a Hurl strike and then clutched a Smyth header.

Just after the restart Veljanovska saved a Hurl effort and then Hurl sent a shot wide before Leacock and Mirjana Karrabecaj had attempts on goal. On 68 minutes, the North Macedonia keeper was called into action once again to deny Northern Ireland substitute Annarose Robinson.

The game then became a bit scrappy before Hurl produced a great run and steered a shot inches wide as the 90 minute mark approached.

Northern Ireland added a fourth in added time when Hurl dribbled past several defenders and slipped the ball to Robinson who applied the finishing touch.

The win against North Macedonia means the WU17s have been promoted to League A for stage one of the next edition of the competition.

Northern Ireland U17: Sophie Glover, Daisy Moore, Holly Hilton, Chloe Beckinsale, Sara Devany, Mirjana Karrabecaj, Emilee Leacock, Heidi Curran, Maja Stachura, Abbie Smyth, Ava Hurl. Subs: Annarose Robinson, Grace Steele, Grace Guest, Ellie McGarrigle, Leah Hepburn, Ifeoma Agoha, Grace Campbell, Zion Donnan.  

(irish fa.com)