Zoe and Emily enjoy international experience in Wales

The Bob Docherty Cup was held at Dragons Park, Welsh National Football Development Centre, Newport, at the start of April.

The tournament involved sides from Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland.

In Northern Ireland’s group were Republic of Ireland and Wales 2001, while the other group consisted of Wales 2002, England and the holders Scotland.

Zoe and Emily were involved in both group games and in the cross-over match with Wales 2002.

It proved to be a very enjoyable weekend for both girls from Parkhall Integrated College.

In the first match against Republic of Ireland they lost 3-1. In this game Emily Wilson started up front and played the majority of the game, Zoe Kilpatrick came on at half time and played left back. The score at half time was already 2:0 to Republic of Ireland.

Zoe clearly played her part in reducing the likelihood of them adding to the scoreline as the second half ended 1-1.

In their second match they played Wales 2001 who were the better of the 2 Welsh teams, the final score in this game was 6-0 to Wales 2001.

Zoe started this game, again at left back, and played all but 10 minutes of the game, Emily again started up front and played the entire game against a very strong Welsh side.

At the end of the group stages crossover matches were then played. This saw NI play Wales 2002 side. This final match saw NI win 3-2. A great end to the tournament. Emily played the first half while Zoe came on at half time with NI 2-1 down, she again slotted in at left back and helped NI turn the game around and come away with a 3:2 win.

The tournament was won by England and 2nd place went to Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland came in 5th.

In the next few months both these girls hope to be selected to play for NI U15 against the U16 girls team from Latvia.

Also more closer to home the girls will be hoping to lead Parkhall Integrated College U14 Girls’ Football team into the Final of the Northern Ireland U14 cup.