Northern Ireland’s senior women’s team eased to a 2-0 win in a Euro qualifier against Malta this evening.
An own goal in the first half and a fine goal from striker Kerry Beattie after the break ensured Tanya Oxtoby’s side secured all three points in the League B Group 3 encounter at the Centenary Stadium in Ta’Qali.
The victory means Northern Ireland have guaranteed a spot in the first set of play-offs for places at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.
Northern Ireland Women boss Oxtoby made four changes to the team that began the last Euro qualifier – the 2-1 defeat to Portugal at Lurgan’s Mourneview Park last month.
Nadene Caldwell, Louise McDaniel, Casey Howe and Kerry Beattie came into the starting line-up, with Caragh Hamilton, Simone Magill, Lauren Wade and Joely Andrews dropping to the bench.
Although the pitchside temperature was well over 30c, the game started at a decent tempo, with the home side on the front foot.
Malta forward Haley Bugeja fired a low drive against the base of a post in the third minute and two minutes later Northern Ireland keeper Jackie Burns tipped a dangerous looping header from striker Kailey Willis over the bar.
Against the run of play Northern Ireland took the lead in the ninth minute when experienced Maltese defender Emma Lipman’s strong back pass from 25 yards flew past her own keeper, Patricia Ebejer, and ended up in the back of the net.
Malta continued to push forward despite the setback, while Northern Ireland struggled to fashion attacks in the searing heat.
However, Northern Ireland had two chances in quick succession around the 37-minute mark. McDaniel slipped a free-kick to Keri Halliday and her delivery into the area was met by Rachel Dugdale whose header from seven yards was pushed out by Ebejer.
The ball was eventually cleared, but only as far as Howe, who produced some fine footwork to skip past a couple of defenders before firing the ball towards the back post where Rebecca Holloway headed it over the top from the edge of the six-yard box.
Malta defender Ann-Marie Said blasted a free-kick over the bar as the home side went in search of an equaliser as half-time approached.
Northern Ireland were the more dominant team in the second half.
Just after the break Howe fired an effort well wide of the target, while Halliday shot straight at Malta’s keeper.
On 58 minutes Holloway’s corner was met by captain Laura Rafferty and her looping header clipped the top of the bar.
Northern Ireland continued to press. Beattie had a shot blocked before Holloway’s long range shot fizzed wide of the target.
Halliday and Caldwell had chances before the visitors deservedly increased their lead in the 80th minute. Rebecca McKenna fired in an excellent cross from the right flank and Beattie scored with a powerful header into the bottom corner from seven yards. It was a fine finish.
Substitute Danielle Maxwell missed the target with a back-heel effort as Northern Ireland went in search of a third, while fellow sub Lauren Wade scooped a shot wide right at the death.
The victory means Northern Ireland have moved into second place in League B Group 3 on goal difference from Bosnia and Herzegovina, who drew 0-0 at home against table toppers Portugal this evening. Both Northern Ireland and the Bosnians have seven points from five games in the group.
Northern Ireland face Bosnia and Herzegovina in their final game in the league phase of the Women’s Euro 2025 qualifiers on Tuesday (16 July).
If they avoid defeat at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park (6pm start) they will finish second in the group, although they will likely need a win to be seeded for the first instalment of two sets of play-offs.
Malta: Patricia Ebejer, Charlene Zammit, Ann-Marie Said, Emma Lipman, Stefania Farrugia (captain), Brenda Borg, Shona Zammit, Rachel Cuschieri, Kailey Willis, Maria Farrugia, Haley Bugeja.
Substitutes: (used) Maya Lucia, Valentina Rapa, Emma Xuereb, Lexine Farrugia; (unused) Maya Cachia (GK), Raisa Costantino, Maia Debono, Jade Flask, Alexandra Gatt, Veronique Mifsud, Nicole Sciberras, Gabriella Zahra.
Northern Ireland: Jackie Burns, Rebecca McKenna, Rachel Dugdale, Rebecca Holloway, Laura Rafferty (captain), Nadene Caldwell, Casey Howe, Brenna McPartlan, Kerry Beattie, Keri Halliday, Louise McDaniel.
Substitutes: (used) Joely Andrews, Danielle Maxwell, Lauren Wade; (unused) Lauren Perry, Maddy Harvey-Clifford, Demi Vance, Chloe McCarron, Marissa Callaghan, Simone Magill, Kelsie Burrows, Emily Wilson, Caragh Hamilton.
Action from Malta
