England confirmed their status as favourites for the European Under-18 title by beating Ireland at Tolka Park on Saturday night. In a scoreless first half, English winger Kelly McDougall caused a number of problems for the Irish and her crosses to Amanda Barr and Kelly Shimmin forced saves from Irish goalkeeper Emma Merrigan.

Amanda Barr capitalised on a fortunate deflection to put the English one up in the 50th minute. Kelly Shimmin increased their lead in the 56th minute.

McDougall was also involved in the third goal, initially with a rasping shot that Merrigan saved at the expense of a corner. And then, taking the corner herself, she found Shimmin at the near post who headed home unmarked to make it 3-0. With Leanne Bowler introduced as a second-half substitute making goal scoring chances, the Irish started to gain in confidence. Casey Stoney, England's defender, was booked for a bad foul on Michelle Walsh. Elaine O'Connor's free-kick was headed home by captain Louise Henchy, and this produced a grandstand finish where Michelle Walsh, Jenkins and Samantha McCarthy all came close for Ireland.

Ireland go into their next match with Wales needing a win to hope to gain the second qualification spot behind England.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: E Merrigan (Virginia Intermont University, USA), S Ennis (St Catherine's), L McCormack (Lifford), M Curtin (Lifford), L Henchy (Lifford, capt), E O'Connor (Hofstra University, New York, R Jenkins (St Catherine's), M Waldron (Firhouse), E O'Brien (Granville Rangers), M Walsh (St Catherine's), S McCarthy (Lifford). Subs: W McGrath (St Catherine's) for O'Brien; M Gallagher (Fanad United) for McCormack; L Bowler (St Catherine's) for McGrath.

ENGLAND: Manship, Sandys, Champ, Hunt, Stoney, Gomersall, McDougall, Hunt, Shimmin, Barr, Lawson. Subs: Small for Shimmin; Hunn for Barr; Williams for Lawson.

Referee: I Jonsson (Sweden)