Ireland U23 and Wales U23 Women’s Development Squads met at the University of Ulster Jordanstown Campus on a warm Wednesday evening for the first of three matches.

For 40 minutes Ireland dominated the game, harassing the Welsh with a very aggressive defense, so much so that Wales were only allowed one visit into the Irish circle.

Despite creating many chances Ireland only lead by a solitary 6th minute goal, from Suzie Kelly.

On 40 minutes Wales forced and converted a penalty corner, in only their second attack of the game to equalize through Olivia Strickland, the 3rd quarter ending 1-1.

Building on their goal the Welsh attack became much more cohesive and, shortly after the restart, they went into the lead with Jessica Hill finding the net.

This shocked the Irish, who found difficulty retaining possession as Wales worked a strong press all over the pitch.

Eventually, midway through the quarter, the Irish found their rhythm again and equalized at 2-2 with Siofra O’Brien getting the final touch.

In a crazy last 5 minutes Ireland regained the lead through Laura Foley, only to concede a Welsh equalizer a minute before the final whistle after a battling goal from Beth Collier.

With the final score 3-3 Ireland will be wondering how they let this game slip after their early dominance.

Squads

Ireland U23: Erin Getty, Nadia Benallal, Ellen Reid, Siofra O’Brien, Sophia Cole, Hannah Kelly, Caoimhe Perdue, Christina Hamill, Caitlin Sherin, Laura Foley, Jessica McMaster, Yasmin Pratt, Lisa Mulcahy, KJ Marshall, Anna Horan, Sarah Murphy, Ellie McLoughlin

Wales U23: Amy Burton, Bethan Collier, Bethan James, Beth Wood, Catryn Langley, Cerys Preston, Emily Drysdale, Ffion Horrell, Georgina Pitts, Grace Bradley, Gwenno Manley, Hannah Harvey, Jessica Hill, Katie Mulroy, Lauren Roberts, Louise Loughlin, Millie Mayer, Millie Walters, Olivia Strickland, Rebecca Daniel, Rhian Lewis, Sara Davies, Stephanie Beaumont

Gallery

Images via Bob Given and John McMurtry