The Republic of Ireland women's team were taking on Northern Ireland in Tallaght tonight in the final of their qualifying games for the 2019 FIFA World Cup in France.
Unfortunately, with the Republic of Ireland sitting five points shy of Norway in second-place, qualification was never on the cards for tonight's game. Similarly, despite having one game remaining after this clash, Northern Ireland already know they will not be going to next year's World Cup either.
Although any thoughts of this becoming a dead-rubber were quickly put to bed when, after only 3 minutes, Leanne Kiernan beautifully lofted the ball over an onrushing Northern Irish 'keeper to put the hosts 1-0 ahead.
Latching on to a long ball forward, Kiernan was fearless in getting her foot to the ball, before being hit hard by the 'keeper in question.
A wonderful start for Colin Bell's side, here's hoping they can end the group on a high.
Leanne Kiernan gives the Republic of Ireland an early lead in Tallaght https://t.co/NLf69i77vz pic.twitter.com/NdA5nV7nRD
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) August 31, 2018
Keeping the momentum up, Ireland were 2-0 up within 10 minutes. Some great work again from Kiernan, a great save from the Northern Irish 'keeper pushed the ball into Katie McCabe's path who duly converted for Ireland's second.
Katie McCabe doubles the lead after just 11 minutes! https://t.co/NLf69i77vz pic.twitter.com/jsuMHdlDu5
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) August 31, 2018
The 3rd came shortly thereafter; Kiernan demonstrating her composure once again when played through.
Leanne Kiernan makes it 3-0 to the Republic of Ireland after 26 minutes, slotting home after being laid on by Denise O'Sullivan pic.twitter.com/UuAUnjVpTX
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) August 31, 2018
The 4th and final goal of the game came through McCabe once more, who calmly converted her second-half penalty.
