Jodie Loughrey captains the Republic of Ireland U-17s to victory over Switzerland in Spain this afternoon

Buncrana’s Jodie Loughrey captained the Republic of Ireland U-17s to a fine 1-0 win over Switzerland this afternoon in an international friendly in Spain. 

The only goal of the game arrived on 25 minutes when Shamrock Rovers defender Aoife  Kelly rose highest at the back post to meet a Kiera Sena corner kick with a powerful header that flew into the back of the net.

Before they got that goal, Ireland produced some impressive spells of play with Joy Ralph almost scoring a superb goal when she beat two defenders and lifted the ball over the opposing goalkeeper only for it to be cleared off the goal line.

Debutant Ruby Gallagher also had hearts beating a little faster when she collected a pass from Kelly and unloaded a fierce strike that brought the best out in the Switzerland goalkeeper.

In the second half, substitute Ceola Bergin went close with an effort after good work by Hannah Healy, while Millie Daly did well to set up Freya Healy who rattled the crossbar with a stinging shot and Fiana Bradley shot over from the rebound.

This was a positive, attacking display from James Scott's team and a good start to a training camp that will see them take on the same opponents again on Monday.

Switzerland: Yasmine Ammar; Chiara Wallin, Nathalie Widmer, Lola Jeanne Brugger, Mia Bennewitz, Sydney Schertenleib, Léane Fontaine, Eline Haberli, Anja Klingenstein, Nevia Stoob, Kaia Grande.

Republic of Ireland: Katie Keane; Kiera Sena (Grace Fitzpatrick Ryan 78), Aoibhe Fleming (Heidi Mackin 60), Aoife Kelly, Alice Lillie (Hannah Healy 70); Ellen Dolan, Jess Fitzgerald; Sienna Gibson (Millie Daly 63), Jodie Loughrey (Freya Healy 70), Ruby Gallagher (Fiana Bradley 60); Joy Ralph (Ceola Bergin 60).

Referee: José Manuel Lopez Rodriguez.