Bit O’ Red striker Emma Doherty celebrated her 18th Birthday in style yesterday as she scored twice in The Republic of Ireland’s 2-0 win over Czech Republic in Opava. The Donegal native turned 18 on Monday.

This was the first game in Round 2 of The UEFA Women’s Under 19 Euro qualifiers.

The game was scoreless at half time but Doherty raced through on goal on after Kerryanne Brown’s ball over the top found her with a defender and goalkeeper to beat. She showed real composure and strength to finish to put Ireland in front.

The home side pushed for an equaliser but their efforts were in veign and in stoppage time a long ball from the left was headed to the net by Doherty in style, the ball looping over the Czech goalkeeper to secure all three points for Ireland.

The team now face France on Saturday.

Photo: fai.ie