Northern Ireland Women claimed a 1-0 win against UEFA Women's Euro qualifiers Portugal thanks to Marissa Callaghan’s cool effort.
The Captain was found with a pinpoint cross from Avilla Bergin and cooly finished to ensure they wouldn’t leave from their two friendlies empty handed.
It was another textbook defensive display but this time it was matched with efficient counter attacking. Portugal were unable to stretch Wylie’s side and Northern Ireland pounced at the right time to claim the victory.
Alfie Wylie made three changes from the starting line-up that lost last time out with Lauren Wade, Ciara Sherwood and Bergin replacing Kirsty McGuinness, Laura Rafferty and Caragh Miligan.
Coming into the game from a 1-0 defeat last time out, the Women began with more of an attacking intent, shown with Callaghan racing up the pitch in the early stages but was unable to create an opening.
It could have been a different story as early as the 4th minute. Goalkeeper Jackie Burns pulled off a point blank save from a few yards and once again was called into action to stop Andreia Norton.
Northern Ireland’s first chance came in the 19th minute with Kerry Montgomery lashing a shot over from just outside the area.
Both sides were patient in waiting for an opportunity to pounce but it was a stalemate as the half time whistle went.
Portugal Captain Claudia Neto upped the tempo for Portugal as she latched onto a defensive mix-up but Burns saved the effort down low.
Neto would go close again just a few minutes later as her free kick from the edge of box just went wide.
Then it was jubilation. Montgomery picked up the ball in midfield and played in Bergin who crossed for Captain Callaghan to put it back where it came from and into the bottom corner.
Northern Ireland reacted and showed their intentions to not sit back as Wylie introduced three forwards, sticking to the plan that worked throughout the game.
Portugal would press, Northern Ireland would counter as substitute striker Lauren Brennan chased any ball that was within her radius.
Jessica Foy and Ashley Hutton both put in brave tackles to keep the hosts at bay & it wouldn’t be wasted as the full time whistle blew.
Arms aloft and the bench running onto the pitch. You could see how much this result meant to the Women and it's the perfect start to 2017.