The website dedicated to women's football across the country, at ALL levels of the game

@en

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Back to home page

Northern Ireland give new boss winning start

Northern Ireland 4 (Halliday 5,52, Andrews 17, Maxwell 60)

Malta 0    

att: 821; at Mourneview Park

Michael McArdle enjoyed a dream start to his reign as Northern Ireland senior women’s manager as his side cruised to a 4-0 victory over Malta in their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifier at Mourneview Park, Lurgan.

The former Cliftonville boss, appointed last month, watched his players deliver an energetic and confident performance in the third match of their qualifying campaign.

Northern Ireland took the lead after just five minutes. Megan Bell delivered a precise cross to Danielle Maxwell on the right flank, and her dangerous delivery was turned home from six yards by Keri Halliday for her first senior international goal.

Malta goalkeeper Giulia D’Antuono was forced to push a Bell corner over the bar as the hosts continued to press forward with intent.

Halliday turned provider for the second goal on 17 minutes, speeding down the left wing before crossing into the six-yard box where Joely Andrews arrived to nod the ball superbly into the net. It was another well-constructed move from Northern Ireland.

Malta’s first meaningful attack arrived six minutes later when Maria Farrugia cut the ball back to Rachel Cuschieri, whose shot was blocked by Rebecca Holloway. Ellie Mason tried her luck from distance shortly afterwards, blasting an effort just inches over the bar as Northern Ireland maintained their dominance.

D’Antuono produced a good save to keep out a close range strike from Bell on 33 minutes, but Halliday’s follow up was blocked by a defender. Lauren Wade then fired narrowly over from a Malta clearance just before half time.

Halliday grabbed her second goal of the night seven minutes into the second half. Mason slipped the ball down the left flank, allowing the striker to cut inside her marker and drill a powerful shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards.

Malta almost pulled one back when Haley Bugeja curled a fine effort towards goal, but Northern Ireland keeper Jackie Burns produced an excellent stop to tip the ball onto the bar.

The hosts made it 4-0 on the hour mark, Bell won back possession and clipped a delightful ball over the top for Maxwell, who raced clear and lobbed the advancing D’Antuono from 20 yards. The Maltese keeper got a hand to the ball, but it still found its way into the net.

Burns was called upon again to push a Maria Farrugia strike onto the woodwork, while Farrugia later clipped a free kick just over the bar.

Cora Chambers made her senior international debut in the 71st minute and was quickly involved, linking up with fellow substitute striker Casey Howe. The game became somewhat scrappy in the closing stages, but Northern Ireland had already done more than enough to secure a convincing victory.

Following defeats to Switzerland and Türkiye in their opening two qualifiers, McArdle had stressed the importance of taking maximum points from this League B Group 2 fixture – and his players responded in style. Switzerland maintained their perfect record with a 3-1 home win over Türkiye in the other group match, leaving them top of the table with nine points from three games.

Northern Ireland: Jackie Burns, Rebecca McKenna, Ellie Mason, Natalie Johnson, Rebecca Holloway, Brenna McPartlan (sub Aimee Kerr 83mins), Joely Andrews, Megan Bell, Keri Halliday (sub Caragh Hamilton 83mins), Danielle Maxwell (sub Casey Howe 61mins), Lauren Wade (sub Cora Chambers 61mins). Subs not used: Abbie Smith, Abi Sweetlove, Kelsie Burrows, Laura Rafferty, Louise McDaniel, Lauren Perry, Nadene Caldwell, Leyla McFarland.

Malta: Giulia D’Antuono, Jade Flask (sub Leah Ayres 69mins), Maya Lucia (sub Alexandra Gatt 63mins), Emma Lipman (captain), Oceane Grange, Nicole Sciberras (sub Kailey Wills 63mins), Brenda Borg, Rachel Cuschieri (sub Jana Barbara 78mins), Maria Farrugia, Haley Bugeja, Shona Zammit. Subs not used: Raisa Costantino, Maya Cachia, Yulya Carella, Crista Chetcuti-Ganado, Tammy Falzon, Maia Debono, Veronique Mifsud, Emma Xuereb.