Republic of Ireland ease past Northern Ireland at the Aviva
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The Girls in Green marked their first ever appearance at the Aviva Stadium with a 3-0 win over Northern Ireland.
In their first ever outing at the Aviva Stadium, caretaker manager Eileen Gleeson opted for a similar formation to what Vera Pauw sued during her tenure.
A back three of Louise Quinn, Diane Caldwell and a debut for Celtic defender Caitlin Hayes was the defence that Gleeson opted for. Megan Connolly played a more advanced role in the heart of midfield, with Tyler Toland beside her and Denise O'Sullivan just behind Kyra Caruse and Lucy Quinn.
Heather Payne and Katie McCabe occupied the flanks from the off.
After a quiet opening to the affair, the first real chance of the game fell on the 24th minute. Katie McCabe's in-swinging corner was met by Caitlin Hayes. Hayes' header was directed goalwards by Kyra Carusa, but thankfully for the visitors, Shannon Turner was equal to the effort
Moments later, it was debutant Caitlin Hayes who almost helped Eileen Gleeson's side to the lead. Lucy Quinn's corner found the rising Hayes who produced an excellent save from Sophie Turner in the Northern Ireland net.
The follow up corner, Ireland finally made the breakthrough. Northern Ireland cleared their lines, but only as far as Lucy Quinn who's deflected volley flew into the back of the net to give the Republic of Ireland a deserved lead.
Just moments before the interval Lucy Quinn almost doubled her and the Republic of Ireland's tally, but the visitors were saved by the out stretched leg of Sarah McFadden on the line.
Minutes into the second half Kyra Carusa came agonisingly close to doubling the Republic of Ireland's lead, but this time, it was Demi Vance who cleared off the line for Northern Ireland.
Carusa finally got her goal on the 70th minute after a mix up between Northern Ireland's Rebecca Hollowat and goalkeeper Shannon Turner.
Kyra Carusa made no mistake and finished from the guts of 30 yards into the empty net.
In the 85th minute, Ireland made in 3-0 thanks to a bullet header from substitute Lily Agg.
