Republic of Ireland WU19 team hit three in win over Azerbaijan

THE Republic of Ireland Women’s Under 19s bounced back from their 1-0 defeat to Germany with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan in their UEFA elite phase qualifier in Tallaght Stadium.

Dave Connell’s side were utterly dominant and limited Azerbaijan to just one shot on goal in the second half as goals from Roma McLaughlin, Hayley Nolan and Niamh Prior capped an Ireland win yesterday evening.

Mayo's Rachel Kearns and Jessica Nolan both played their parts, the former coming on at half-time and the latter just 11 minutes into the second period.

Kearns had a major role in Ireland's third goal, her shot from the edge of the area after a mazy run parried into the path of Niamh Prior, who finished from close range.

The Mayo girl twice came close to netting Ireland a fourth goal. She just missed Prior's cross on 82 minutes while 60 seconds late she launched a drive that was held by the Azerbaijan goalkeeper.

Roma McLaughlin gave Ireland the lead after 15 minutes and the lead was doubled on the hour mark when Hayley Nolan scored from the penalty spot, McLaughlin the player fouled in the area.

The victory sees Ireland move into second place in Group 1 with three points. They sit behind leaders Germany, who defeated Poland 1-0 in the group's earlier game yesterday. Ireland’s final game sees them face Poland in Tallaght Stadium on Sunday at 2 p.m.