England U15 Schoolgirls (1) 8 Republic of Ireland (0) 0
Monday 10 March 2014By ESFA Office
Last Updated:
10/02/2021 11:49:29
On Saturday the England Schools' U15 international squad played a friendly against their Republic of Ireland counterparts. On a bright and sunny day the impressive Gallagher Stadium, Maidstone United F.C. played host to the south east regional DANONE girls' U11 7 a-side finals before the international. It was fitting that the Minister for Sport, Helen Grant, attended the day and was presented to all the players both the U11 tournament and the international as Saturday was International Women's Day.
Minister for Sport, Helen Grant, was our special guest for the day
After the two National Anthems the game kick off at 1.30 pm in the bright spring sunshine. A welcome change from the battering this part of the country had been subjected to in previous months. With 4 lady officials from Kent County F.A. it was truly a female celebration of football.
For the first few minutes, as the players settled down, the ball was moving well between two excellent teams. But as the match progressed the England girls became much stronger and were winning most of the 50-50 balls. However, it was the Republic who hit first with a fierce free kick from Katie Burdis which from 25 meters rattled Erin Hannah's crossbar and was eventually cleared by the English defence. A pattern of play was beginning to emerge with England's captain, Brenna McPartlan dominating the midfield along with Ellie Brazil. The movement of Georgia Stanway and Katie George, playing up front, was excellent and only denied a number of goals by the very sound Naoisha McAloon in the Irish goal. The Irish keeper made a number of last minute interceptions with Georgia and Katie powering in on goal.
The England Girls showed great spirit
The deadlock was broken in the 20th minute when a quick and incisive break from the defence started by Niamh Cashin found its way out to Laura Dexter on the left wing. A interchange of passes with Katie George saw the ball entering the penalty area where Ellie Brazil was able to shoot accurately past the stranded Irish keeper. This pattern of play followed for the next 20 minutes with England totally dominant but let down by the weight of the final pass. The girls' of both sides were coping well with the artificial surface where the ball travels across the turf at a greater speed than on real grass.
HALF TIME: ENGLAND 1 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 0
The second half started in similar fashion, with the large crowd 874 seeing some really good football. The English girls were flying and playing a type of football that the crowd appreciated, fast and skilful and played in a great spirit. This was really football at its best and many seasoned observers were fittingly impressed. Although being outplayed, the Irish girls stuck to their task and tried to play football, but in truth they were unable to do so because of the excellent English team.
It took just 5 minutes for Ellie Brazil to double the score and take her tally to 2 goals. Another incisive move ending with Ellie breaking into the penalty area and finishing with aplomb. Alessia Russo, replacing Brenna at half time as captain and midfield dynamo, rifling home a powerful shot for the third goal in the 55th minute. There was now no stopping the English girls as they measured their passing with speed and accuracy. The goals were now coming at 5 minute intervals. The 60th minute saw Geogie Stanway score the goal that she thoroughly deserved for her powerful play and off the ball running. The smallest member of the squad proved that size was not a problem as she terrorized the Irish defence throughout the match. Another piece of incisive play saw Jasmine Hughes score number 5 after 65 minutes. A rare headed goal came from Katie George in the 70th minute after a perfect cross from Karolayne Byrom on the right wing made it 6 and just to buck the 5 minute trend Katie George scored her second, from short range in the 72nd minute. Charlotte Newsham, on as a second half substitute finished the rout with the 8th and final goal with 4 minutes left on the clock.
All players in both squads were able to get some game time and it proved a superb team bonding exercise. The match was well refereed by Emma Capeling and assisted by Holly Plumb and Jessica French. The 4th Official was Holly Warmington.
Both teams now move on to play in the international tournament for the Bob Docherty Trophy which is being hosted over Easter by the English Schools' F.A. at Repton School in Derbyshire.
A huge well done to all the girls who took part, and many thanks to all the staff, helpers and volunteers who made this day of football possible.
ENGLAND (1) 8 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (0) 0
England U15 Schoolgirls
Representing England:
Erin Hannah (GK, Merseyside) , Niamh Cashin (Nottinghamshire), Laura Dexter (Derbyshire), Brittany Sanderson (South Yorkshire), Alessia Russo (Kent), Brittany Egden (Oxfordshire), Karolayne Byrom (Wiltshire), Brenna McPartlan (Lancashire), Georgia Stanway (Cumbria), Kelly Snook (Dorset), Katie George (Hampshire), Ellie Brazil (Nottinghamshire), Charlotte Johnson (GK, Dorset), Jasmine Hughes (Dorset), Jessica Jones (Devon), Beth Lumsden (Hertfordshire), Olivia Dean (Greater Manchester), Anna King (Staffordshire), Charlotte Newsham (Greater Manchester).
