Jess plays her part in ireland draw

MAYO'S Jessica Nolan is playing her part in an Irish Under 19 women's side that's currently in Slovenia but hopes to get to Slovakia.

Nolan played all 90 minutes of Ireland's opening UEFA European Championships qualifier against the Slovenes yesterday (September 15), a game that ended 1-1, and she and her team-mates have two more games against Bulgaria tomorrow (September 17) and Russia on Sunday (September 20) as they bid to reach next summer's finals in Slovakia.

Megan Connolly scored the Republic of Ireland goal against first phase qualifying group hosts Slovenia, and it could - perhaps should - have been a win for the Irish girls but for a disputed disallowed goal late on.

Manager Dave Connell said: “With three minutes to go Evelyn Daly headed in, their goalkeeper slipped, and the lines-person raised the flag. We feel a little hard done by but that's football and you have to get on with it.”

Added Ireland goal-scorer Connolly: “We were disappointed only to draw the game because we were the better team, but it could turn out to be a vital point. We regrouped after the game and immediately turned our thoughts to Bulgaria.

“We have two more games to go in this first phase and we are aiming to win both of them. We have moved on from Slovenia and we're ready to take on Bulgaria.”