Ireland simply have to be more ruthless admits a frustrated Amber Barrett 

Amber Barrett admits there was deep frustration after the Republic of Ireland Woman’s side came away empty-handed from their World Cup qualifier clash away to the Netherlands.

Katie McCabe’s penalty five minutes into the second half cancelled out Lineth Beerensteyn’s opener from the 20th minute and it looked for long periods as though the Girls in Green might secure a valuable draw against the hosts.

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However, Beerensteyn struck again eight minutes from time, squeezing the ball past goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan from a corner to secure victory for the Dutch.

The manner of the goal was particularly disappointing for Ireland given their reputation for being strong when defending set-pieces.

Milford native Barrett was introduced from the bench during the game, while Anna Patten - who qualifies for Ireland through her Falcarragh roots - and St Johnston’s Tyler Toland remained unused substitutes.

After last week’s narrow loss to France in Dublin, Barrett says Ireland simply need to be more ruthless. 

Reflecting on the decisive moment, Barrett felt Ireland had prepared thoroughly for the Netherlands’ set-piece routines.

"When we do set-pieces and when we do the preparation, they usually take the last 10 games to kind of see if there's rhythm or if there's repetition of the exercises, movements and stuff.

"I think our coverage of all the movements and everything was excellent. It's one of those that it's in a very difficult area. When there's a lot of bodies, like we see it in the Premier League every week, the more bodies around the goalkeeper, the more likely they are to score.

"It's very disappointing, again. After France, we came away saying the same thing, probably three points (lost) that we could have at least got a point out of. We were looking for a response. I think we did get it in many ways. But again, we've gone in with a really big performance and come away with nothing. That's the hardest thing to take."

Ireland now face a crucial Nations League double-header against Poland in April.

Those games will be important in the battle to finish third in the group, a position that would provide a more favourable seeding heading into the autumn play-offs.

Even if Ireland were to finish bottom, they are already guaranteed a play-off place after earning promotion to League A of the Nations League.