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Irish women begin with a win

Sunday 1st April 2007, 6:39 pm

The Irish women's team came from behind to secure a win against Hungary in their opening European Championship qualifier at Tolka Park in Dublin today.

The visitors took the lead on 28 minutes when Pandra snuck in to force the ball home from close range as the Irish defence failed to deal with a ball into the area.

A battling Irish performance saw the home side go in search of an equaliser. Marie Curtin had a free kick tipped onto the woodwork before Katie Taylor fired home a stunning long range shot to level on 42 minutes. Taylor, more famous for her boxing exploits, lashed home a shot from over thirty yards which found the back of the net after crashing against the underside of the Hungarian crossbar.

Having equalised shortly before the break, Ireland went in front just five minutes into the second period. Susan Byrne got in to head home after Sharon Boyle's free kick had bounced around in the penalty area.

Ireland manager King was ecstatic about the win, admitting afterwards: "I was thrilled with the character shown by the players to come back from losing an early goal. Hopefully, we can build on this for our next game in the group against Italy on May 31st."

"We scored two great goals in the game and this win will build confidence at this initial stage of the group. The pitch didn't lend itself to passing football so we had to adapt our game to a more direct approach but in the end, we got the three points we were looking for", he added.

Ireland : Emma Byrne (Arsenal), Niamh Fahy (Salthill Devon), Susan Byrne (St.Johns University, NY), Alisha Moran (NY Athletic Club), Sharon Boyle (Raheny United), Elaine O'Connor (Long Island Fury), Marie Curtin (Hofstra University), Ciara Grant (Arsenal), Stephanie Curtis (Bristol Academy), Olivia O'Toole (Raheny United), Katie Taylor (Peamount United).

Hungary : Szvorda, Kanta, Paraonu, Gasper, Sumegi, Fakabfi (Toth 60), Smuczer, Vago, Sebestyen (Megyeri 70), Padar, Nagy (Szeker 22).

Referee : Marija Margareta Domjanovic (Croatia).