Rep of Ireland Ladies beaten by Swiss in Biel

Noel Kings' side started the contest brightly forcing the Swiss to play in their own half for large spells. The Irish created numerous amounts of chances but failed to capitalise on the scoreboard.

The game took a dramatic twist on 22 minutes when a sloppy cross-field pass by the Irish defence landed at the feet of Lara Dickenmann. She left Irish goalkeeper, Emma Byrne stranded with an unstoppable shot from outside the box, Switzerland's first shot on target.

Lara Dickenmann was on hand again after 44 minutes to double the home sides advantage. The Irish failed to clear a high ball and the Swiss striker made no mistake, rifelling home from 12 yards.

The second half started with high intensity as the Irish pushed forward in search of goals. Switzerland were unable to break through a resilient Irish midfield and for large spells played from inside their own box. As the game wore on, The Irish grew in confidence and with the introduction of Olivia O'Toole and 17 year old Diane Caldwell who won only her second cap, gave the Irish a new lease of life.

The Republic of Ireland were unlucky not to be back in the game late on as a penalty claim was waved away by the match officials. For a game which was played in mostly the Swiss half, it seemed that the home side were very relieved to hear the full time whistle.

Noel King said after the game, “I thought the team played very well against such a top class opposition, unfortunately it is another hard luck story as we dominated the game entirely and were unlucky to be beaten by two sloppy goals. It will give our team great confidence to know that we should have won here today, we have a very young side and they will have the confidence to go on and beat teams regularly in the top tier of Women's International football. We face Switzerland at home on 22^nd April in Richmond Park, Dublin and I know that we will be up to the test to reverse today's result.”

Republic of Ireland

Emma Byrne (Arsenal FC)

Dolores Deasley (Bristol Academy WFC)

Yvonne Treacy Arsenal FC)

Sonya Hughes (New Hampshire Phantoms/Franklin Pierce)

Ciara Grant (Arsenal FC)

Elaine O'Connor (Long Island Lady Riders)

Michelle O'Brien (Long Island Lady Riders)

Claire Scanlan (Bristol Academy WFC)

Laura Hislop (New Hampshire Phantoms/Franklin Pierce)

Alisha Moran (Harvard University)

Marie Curtin (Hofstra University)

Subs Used

Olivia O'Toole (Shamrock Rovers) on for Marie Curtin, 60 Mins

Diane Caldwell (Raheny United) on for Claire Scanlan, 60 Mins

Subs Not Used

Sarah Peters (Lady Hibernian Saints)

Sharon Boyle (Shamrock Rovers)

Denise Thomas (Boston Renegades)

Kacey Driscoll (Hofstra University)

Edel Malone (Hofstra University)