Wales U15 Girls are heading to Belfast to defend the Bob Docherty Cup
International
23 March 2018

Wales U15 Girls are heading to Belfast to defend the Bob Docherty Cup

A year ago, Matt Clement’s team celebrated winning their annual home nations tournament for the first time.

Now the class of 2018 are aiming to bring the prestigious cup back over the Irish Sea with them on Monday.

A year of preparation has featured tough tests against England, Scotland and Brittany but now the serious business of retaining the trophy paraded so proudly in Dublin last year kicks off at the University of Ulster this weekend.

But just two veterans of that victory remain and Girls Age Group Manager Matt Clement said: “The girls are putting pressure on themselves because of the success of last year’s group.

“But I’m not aiming to finish first, second or third, because it is all about progression.

“They have to compete and adhere to our principles in every game.”

One of those veterans is current captain Carrie Jones.

She said: “It’s been an honour to captain the team this year. 

“Last year was amazing but hopefully we can do it all again this year.”

Clement insists he’s been impressed by the character shown by his squad, despite disappointing defeats against England and Scotland in the build-up.

He said: “They’re questioning us.

“They’re keen to learn and their ability to implement the Welsh Way of playing has dramatically improved.”

Two of last year’s Bob Docherty Cup heroes were Grace Burke and Hayley Hoare. Both have since represented Wales at U17 level.

Defender Hoare, whose sister Katie is in this year’s squad, said: “When I think about it, it brings me joy and happiness.

“I would urge them all to enjoy it but make sure they put their bodies on the line for everything.”

Goalkeeper Burke, the hero of two dramatic penalty shootout wins, said: “I didn’t expect to face as many penalties as I did but what I remember is winning and the reward of that. 

“The feeling it brought us all was amazing.”

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Fixtures

Saturday, 24 March: 4.30pm - Wales 1-0 Northern Ireland 'B'

Sunday, 25 March: 2pm - Wales 0-2 England

Monday, 26 March: 11am - Wales 0-2 Northern Ireland 'A'

*All matches being played at University of Ulster, York Street, Belfast. BT15 1ED

Wales U15 Girls Squad

Safia Middleton-Patel (Liverpool)

Katie Young (Villa Dino Christchurch)

Bethan McGowan (Mumbles Rangers)

Anna Bebb (Birmingham City)

Katie Hoare (Bristol City)

Niamh Warrender (Villa Dino Christchurch)

Zoe Smith (Barry Town United)

Grace Anna Morris (Wales Performance Squad)

Megan Lewis (Villa Dino Christchurch)

Isabel Reidford (Tranmere Rovers)

Hollie Smith (Villa Dino Christchurch)

Ffion Spence (Barry Town United)

Ella Hilliard (Barry Town United)

Mary McAteer - (Bristol City)

Maria Francis-Jones (The New Saints)

Libby Isaac (The New Saints)

Carrie Jones (Wales Performance Squad)

Cerys Bevan (Swansea City)