Amanda keeps Scots at bay

Navan girl Amanda McQuillan played for the Republic of Ireland u-17 Women’s team yeaterday in the second of two games against Scotland at Ainslie Park, Edinburgh where she made a number of smart saves in 0-0 draw.

Amanda (pictured) was a nominee for the Young Meath Sportsperson of the Year last January.

The first game was played last Wednesday and Amanda was an unused substitute in that game at the same venue that the Irish girls won 2-0.

The Republic of Ireland u-17s completed their trip to Scotland with the 0-0 draw at Ainslie Park yesterday

The game saw few chances for both sides, but a solid display was evident from Ireland throughout. The most notable of chances for Ireland came from two set pieces, one of which saw a corner delivery from Megan Lynch nudge past the goalkeeper towards the top corner, narrowly veering wide.

Speaking after the game, head coach Dave Connell said, ‘We saw some very good potential from the girls, but lacked some cutting edge, with Scotland the same.’

‘I’m very happy with how the trip has gone, and it’s important to keep our unbeaten run going now as we approach October’s qualifiers, it was definitely a good day’s work, especially as Scotland got to last year’s finals in England.’

‘Our objective was to mix the more experienced girls with our younger players, and we’re happy with how they worked together on the trip.’

There will be two friendlies against Denmark next in September after training camps this summer.

Republic of Ireland - Amanda McQuillan, Jamie Finn, Savannah McCarthy, Keeva Keenan, Hayley Nolan, Megan Connolly, Megan Lynch, Lucy McCarton,Sarah Jane McDonald, Evelyn Daly, Courtney Higgins Subs - Niamh Prior for Megan Lynch, 51 mins, Deirbhle Beirne for Sarah Jane McDonald 60 mins, Eleanor Stafford for Lucy McCartan 65 mins.