Par five

Five Cliftonville players were part of the Northern Ireland Women’s Under-16 squad that has just returned from a four-team tournament in Paraguay.

Anayah Lee, Autumn Edgar, Charley McMullan, Abigail Curley and Ellie Tohill were all selected by Manager Danielle McDowell Tuffey for the competition’s sole UEFA representatives at CONMEBOL Headquarters in Luque.

Two Reds stars were on the scoresheet when Northern Ireland commenced proceedings with a 4-4 draw with the hosts last Monday.

After falling 2-0 down inside the opening eight minutes, the visitors reduced the arrears when Curley (below) slotted home.

Paraguay, however, duly extended their advantage by a further two goals before half-time only for NI to stage an incredible comeback which was capped when McMullan – who had provided the assist to make it 4-3 – levelled matters before Tohill almost won it, only to be denied by the post.

Though Paraguay banked an additional point by winning 5-3 on penalties, Northern Ireland moved on to Wednesday’s meeting with Puerto Rico in understandably upbeat mood.

Though beaten 3-0, the team produced another admirable display before signing off on a positive note when, in the aftermath of a 4-1 loss to Chile on Saturday, they triumphed in the post-match penalty shootout.

All at Cliftonville are very proud to have seen Anayah, Autumn, Charley, Abigail and Ellie represent the Club on such a stage and we hope they enjoyed every minute of their experience in South America.