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Julie Ann Russell continues to excel for Ireland. ©INPHO/James Crombie
Tel Aviv

Euro 2013 Qualifiers: Ireland finish on a winning note with inspired Israeli display

Julie Ann Russell and Fiona O’Sullivan were on the scoresheet for Sue Ronan’s side.

A TWO GOAL burst in the space of three minutes did for Israel and ended Ireland’s ultimately futile Euro 2013 campaign on a high.

A 4-0 defeat in France at the weekend ended any lingering hopes the Irish ladies had of qualifying for next summer’s championships but they successfully negotiated a tricky away date in Tel Aviv.

Goalkeepers Emma Byrne and Merav Shamir made good saves in the first-half to keep the tie scoreless but Ireland were not to be denied.

With substitute Aine O’Gorman adding to spark to the Irish attack, the visitors started to press the Israelis and force them back into their own half.

Midway through the second period, substitute Stephanie Roche went close but the deadlock was soon broken when Fiona O’Sullivan finished smartly.

With Israel reeling from the first score, Julie Ann Russell nipped in to double the advantage.

The home team tried to mount a comeback but Ireland were starting to dominate possession and threatened through Louise Quinn and Ciara Grant before referee Paloma Quintero Siles blew for full time.

Ireland: Emma Bryne; Meabh De Burca, Louise Quinn, Yvonne Tracy, Denise O’Sullivan; Diane Caldwell, Ciara Grant, Sophie Perry, Fiona O’Sullivan; Julie Ann Russell, Shannon Smyth.

Subs: Aine O’Gorman (for Shannon Smyth) ’46, Stephanie Roche (for D O’Sullivan) ’61, Marie Curtin (for Ciara Grant ’74).

The 2-0 result means Ireland finished fourth in the five-team group, just a point behind Wales.

France finished on top of Group 4 and automatically qualified for next summer’s championships.

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